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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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for free rider
Noun
  • Carr ends up tripping and falling down stairs, eating soup laced with Plan B One Step emergency contraceptive, and getting doused in cat feces, which leads to him contracting toxoplasmosis, a parasite that can be transferred to fetuses during pregnancy.
    Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, according to the CDC.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Extra compensation may be available for additional dependents.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Natalia’s story grabbed the attention of the public in 2019 when Indiana prosecutors leveled charges against the Barnetts for allegedly neglecting a dependent.
    Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Frequently touched objects like phones, remote controls, and kitchen sponges are hotspots for bacteria.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Use a sponge or microfiber cloth to rub hard-water stains from the glass.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • In broad daylight, a presidential henchman openly threatened to inflict financial pain in retribution for speech the leader doesn't like.
    Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 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 2 Oct. 2025.

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