free rider

Definition of free ridernext
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

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.
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free rider
Noun
  • The fish, having been medicated by this point, would have weakened immune systems unable to protect them against parasites.
    John Donegan LONG BEACH POST, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
  • For example, before vaccines kick in, sharing a litter box with another house cat risks transferring parasites.
    Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The woman was not named in the statement, has been charged with neglect of a dependent.
    Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Going to college doesn’t necessarily mean a student is no longer your dependent.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • For handwashing your dishes and anything that might not fit in your dishwasher, Senior Digital Editor Jenna Sims’ grandmother recommends using a special sponge.
    Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2026
  • That creates a cooling sponge that can keep rivers flowing through dry summers and falls, ensuring adequate water for farms and cities as well as fish.
    Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • One of the senior henchmen of right-wing Christian politics saw this dangerous transformation unfolding from the inside.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
  • While Sanji and Chopper fight off various henchmen, Luffy battles Wapol and eventually beats him with Sanj’s help.
    Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Free rider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free%20rider. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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