as in mutualistic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of commensal
Dreamtime by Simon Theuma This small, commensal shrimp almost appears to be swimming over a tapestry, but in reality, the technicolor backdrop is the body of a mosaic sea star.
—
Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Jan. 2024
Science defines the rat’s relationship to humans as commensal: an association between two species in which one benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.
—WIRED, 7 Oct. 2023
In fact, it’s become clear that many of these commensal bacteria use the glycans studding mucin molecules as a primary source of energy.
—Diana Kwon, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2019
In commensal domestication, however, humans unintentionally create an environment that attracts the animal.
—Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2016
These samples serve as powerful investigative tools in our pursuit to understand how certain commensal microbes can cause or serve as diagnostic readouts.
—Anthony Martin, Discover Magazine, 26 Apr. 2016
Danska’s research suggests that the composition of commensal microbes diverges in male and female mice around puberty, so something seems to happen to the bacteria around that time.
—Melinda Wenner Moyer, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2021
Two species, both carnivores to a greater or lesser extent, with different nutritional needs, could have a commensal relationship.
—James Gorman, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2021
Instead of buying time on the array, Breakthrough Listen is tapping into the data stream while the telescope observes its regular targets—a procedure known as commensal observing.
—Daniel Clery, Science | AAAS, 10 Sep. 2020
Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Jan. 2024
Science defines the rat’s relationship to humans as commensal: an association between two species in which one benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.
—WIRED, 7 Oct. 2023
In fact, it’s become clear that many of these commensal bacteria use the glycans studding mucin molecules as a primary source of energy.
—Diana Kwon, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2019
In commensal domestication, however, humans unintentionally create an environment that attracts the animal.
—Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2016
These samples serve as powerful investigative tools in our pursuit to understand how certain commensal microbes can cause or serve as diagnostic readouts.
—Anthony Martin, Discover Magazine, 26 Apr. 2016
Danska’s research suggests that the composition of commensal microbes diverges in male and female mice around puberty, so something seems to happen to the bacteria around that time.
—Melinda Wenner Moyer, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2021
Two species, both carnivores to a greater or lesser extent, with different nutritional needs, could have a commensal relationship.
—James Gorman, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2021
Instead of buying time on the array, Breakthrough Listen is tapping into the data stream while the telescope observes its regular targets—a procedure known as commensal observing.
—Daniel Clery, Science | AAAS, 10 Sep. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commensal
Adjective
-
Sonically, The Scholars reminds me a bit of David Bowie’s Blackstar in that there’s such a symbiotic feeling to the music.—
Frank DiGiacomo,
Billboard,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Continual success is most often decided by how well the symbiotic relationship between people and technology works.—
Steve Niesman,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Well, that is highly dependent on an IT staff that is capable of deploying, optimizing and supporting over time.—
Adrian Bridgwater,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
-
Consumers and businesses Lower interest rates will also be welcomed by consumers looking to borrow money for other things, with a potential reduction in interest on credit cards and personal loans, although this is dependent on your personal circumstances including credit history.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
8 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Commensal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commensal. Accessed 17 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share