symbiotic
adjective
sym·bi·ot·ic
ˌsim-bē-ˈä-tik 
: relating to or marked by symbiosis:
a
: characterized by, living in, or being a close physical association (as in mutualism or commensalism) between two or more dissimilar organisms
The truffle is a … fungus that forms a symbiotic relationship with its host tree.—
Robb Walsh
Robb WalshTermites harbor diverse symbiotic gut microorganisms, the majority of which are as yet uncultivable and their interrelationships unclear.—Yuichi Hongoh et al.
Yuichi Hongoh et al.
b
: characterized by or being a close, cooperative, or interdependent relationship
Today, art advisers are as diverse as the clients they help. They often work alone and form intimate, symbiotic relationships with the people they serve.—Deborah Gimelson
Deborah GimelsonSigal's study … illustrates how reporters' constant need for news and how government officials' need for publicity and favorable coverage for their agencies combine into a symbiotic relationship between Washington reporters and officials.—Charles R. Wright
Charles R. Wright
symbiotically
adverb
Some species of clams … live symbiotically with sulfur-loving bacteria: the bacteria, which live on the clams' gills, get sulfide from the clams, and the clams, in turn, feed on the bacteria.
—Natural History
Natural History
The irony is that the Pentagon and the Soviet Defense Ministry prosper symbiotically.
—Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
Examples of symbiotic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Tokenized rewards can be redeemed for bill discounts or exclusive access to services, creating a symbiotic relationship between consumers and providers.
—John Werner, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
One unique benefit for Smith and her teammates is the program’s symbiotic relationship with Nick Prak, a popular cheer videographer, who is now based in Weber State’s hometown of Ogden.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 20 Nov. 2024
Holland finished the show with a comment on the symbiotic relationship between Kennedy and the anti-vaccine effort.
—Brandy Zadrozny, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
The symbiotic relationship between Trump and Trump Media raises red flags for investors.
—Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for symbiotic 
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.
John Werner, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
One unique benefit for Smith and her teammates is the program’s symbiotic relationship with Nick Prak, a popular cheer videographer, who is now based in Weber State’s hometown of Ogden.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 20 Nov. 2024
Holland finished the show with a comment on the symbiotic relationship between Kennedy and the anti-vaccine effort.
—Brandy Zadrozny, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
The symbiotic relationship between Trump and Trump Media raises red flags for investors.
—Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for symbiotic
Dictionary Entries Near symbiotic
Cite this Entry
“Symbiotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbiotic. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
symbiotic
adjective
sym·bi·ot·ic
ˌsim-ˌbī-ˈät-ik
-bē-
-bē-
variants
also symbiotical
: relating to, characterized by, living in, or resulting from a state of symbiosis
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share