as in parasite
a person who is supported by or seeks support from another without making an adequate return
a freeloader who apparently intends to live off of his long-suffering parents forever
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Recent Examples of freeloader
Remember how in 2023 when swarms of these surly, entitled freeloaders suddenly materialized – in Terminal E, of all places.
—
Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 28 Nov. 2025
Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 28 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for freeloader
parasite
Noun
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Ivermectin, which originated as a treatment for horse parasites, gained traction on social media during the pandemic as an option for treating coronavirus.—
Will Carless,
USA Today,
20 Jan. 2026
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The team observed that even parasites lost vitamin C synthesis over the course of evolution.—
Jay Kakade
January 19,
New Atlas,
19 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Freeloader.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freeloader. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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