as in parasite
a person who is supported by or seeks support from another without making an adequate return
During their fundraising campaign, the public radio station encouraged listeners not to be free riders.
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Recent Examples of free rider
Fruit, ginger shots, sea moss beverages, tea, and water were on hand, in alignment with her alcohol-free rider and commitment to sobriety.
—
Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free rider
Noun
-
After being tested for airtightness, helium was pumped into the glass enclosure through thin tubes inserted into the lead lining, to protect the document from corrosive oxygen and parasites.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
-
Always wear gloves before handling nests to protect yourself from any germs or parasites.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Once a child is declared a dependent of the court and is placed in foster care, as Jaxon was, social workers are required to visit in person at least once a month.—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
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Sacramento police had arrested Adger on suspicion of battery, resisting or obstructing a peace officer, and inflicting undue suffering or pain on a dependent.—
Darrell Smith
May 1,
Sacbee.com,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Use a sponge or nylon-bristle brush dipped in the soapy solution to scrub the furniture.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
16 May 2026
-
Considerations Before Getting Started Never use abrasive sponges, metal utensils, or harsh chemicals to clean your microwave.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Robert Penn Warren’s 1946 novel is the story of the rise and fall of a Southern populist, the Louisiana governor Willie Stark—a fictional Huey Long (even if Warren downplayed the likeness)—as told by Stark’s wisecracking, anguished, Hamlet-y henchman, Jack Burden.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
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When the newlyweds arrive home, they are attacked by Naz and his henchman (played by Matt Willig).—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Free rider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free%20rider. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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