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.

See Examples For:

parasites

Our host, sitting alongside his “BioCharger” machine, prepared us for a session in which he would rid us of parasites inside the body and also parasites out in the world.

From Slate ● Sep. 22, 2026

For example, before vaccines kick in, sharing a litter box with another house cat risks transferring parasites.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026

The executive order comes as the Trump administration is seeking to lower record-high beef prices for consumers, driven by drought and an outbreak of parasites in US beef stocks.

From BBC ● Sep. 5, 2026

Their cloudy-looking eyes can appear almost lifeless, and parasites are often found attached directly to the eyeballs.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 23, 2026

Everywhere, in field and hedgerow and garden and forest, the insect predators and parasites are at work.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson