free rider

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.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for free rider
Noun
  • The benzoquinones in those secretions are pungent to parasites and mosquitoes, and lemurs sometimes also ingest small amounts, suggesting a mix of topical repellent and internal deworming.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
  • As depicted here, Gacy is a parasite latched onto a failing society.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This limit applies to able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Amazon also warned holders of H-4 dependent visas, which are for spouses and dependents of H-1B visas, to remain in the US.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • An old rag leaves behind streaks and lint, and a sponge can be abrasive, scratching the glass surface.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Never use the abrasive side of a sponge on nonstick cookware.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His henchmen quickly followed suit.
    Danny Makki, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Over eight episodes, the brothers find themselves at the mercy of Mancuso — a former family friend — and his vicious henchmen, and they are forced to confront the emotional scars of growing up with an alcoholic father, who had gambled away his own restaurant.
    Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Free rider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free%20rider. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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