hanging 1 of 3

Definition of hangingnext

hanging

2 of 3

noun

hanging

3 of 3

verb

present participle of hang
1
2
as in depending
to be determined by, based on, or subject (to) our plan to go to the amusement park has all been worked out; now it just hangs on the weather

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3
as in drooping
to be limp from lack of water or vigor as they neared the end of the long, hard march all but the most hardy were hanging, and some could barely put one foot in front of the other

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in hovering
to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air hanging just above the horizon was a little pink cloud

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5
as in basing
to find a basis that's very slim evidence upon which to hang a theory

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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 hanging
Adjective
Max Houser 6-Tier Hanging Closet Shelf Instantly create more hanging space with this fabric shelving unit that makes use of otherwise dead vertical space. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2025 Of the other methods – including electrocution, lethal gas and hanging – lethal injection had the highest botch rate of more than 7%. ‘An embrace of brutality’ Still, states have remained averse to the firing squad, a position that experts who spoke to CNN believe stems from its overt violence. Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
Mohammadi was killed in a public hanging Thursday, according to Iranian American human rights activists and dissidents. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Mar. 2026 The best way to oppose the hanging of these posters is to study the arguments the state made in favor of them. Arkansas Online, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
Participants will use colorful beads and wire to design a decorative hanging air plant or an air plant secured to a rock. Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026 The solution might be hanging right in front of you. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hanging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hanging
Adjective
  • While the design here is emphatically traditional, a dose of modern whimsy comes through with a dangling, multi-floor chandelier loosely inspired by jellyfish.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Cernan, the junior pilot, was outside, dangling—actually spinning, tumbling, and flailing—at the end of a long umbilical cord, completely unable to control his movements.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Johnson, Shiffrin’s partner and the gold medalist in the downhill, had staked her to a narrow lead.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
  • His excellent size-speed combination, and aggressive downhill style creates disruption and turnover chances.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The ground stop, tied to thunderstorms in the area, was scheduled to remain in effect through late morning, with a medium chance it could be extended depending on how the weather evolves.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Forecasters warn that storms will likely come in multiple rounds, with the potential for different hazards depending on timing and location.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Renowned for its extended bloom period, this lovely flower boasts daisy-like blossoms with prominent orange-brown centers and drooping lavender-purple petals.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Wilting or drooping leaves may be obvious but also pay attention to the color.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • With interest rates hovering above 20% on many cards, carrying a balance even for a few months can quickly snowball.
    Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Today, with Apple’s market cap hovering around $4 trillion, that 10% stake could theoretically be worth more than $400 billion.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That has prompted discussion of basing California’s funding model on enrollment instead.
    Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • European military spending is up, and France has promised to include Europe under its nuclear umbrella, including potentially basing nuclear bombers in allied countries.
    Semafor Events, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • James O’Donoghue, a planetary scientist with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, likened our planet’s tilting phenomenon to a nodding head.
    Aylin Woodward, WSJ, 21 Dec. 2021
Noun
  • Rejoice, campers, Adamson’s, said to be the only South Bay restaurant devoted to the culinary bliss that is the French dip sandwich, has just opened a new location.
    Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The setup ranges from a bathtub heaped with ice cubes to a quick dip in a frigid lake or ocean.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hanging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hanging. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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