parasites

NOUN

something that exists by taking from or depending on another

Synonyms

STRONG

barnacle bloodsucker bootlicker deadbeat dependent flunky freeloader groupie hanger-on idler leech scrounger sponge stooge sucker sycophant taker

Antonyms

WEAK

blessing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Parasites that could resist artemisinin evolved for the first time in Africa in Rwanda, and then separately in Uganda and Eritrea.

From BBC • Jul. 18, 2024

Parasites plague almost every creature on Earth, from ticks on dogs to lice on whales.

From Science Magazine • May 7, 2024

Parasites thought only to infect tropical coral reefs have been discovered in a large variety of creatures in cold marine ecosystems along the Northeast Pacific, according to new research from University of British Columbia botanists.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2024

Parasites are the glue that holds all life on this planet together.

From Salon • Oct. 31, 2023

Parasites and predators of the gypsy moth achieved good control, as did the Tiphia wasp against the Japanese beetle.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson