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
Relevance
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
Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free rider
Noun
-
The parasite is also a threat to wildlife and pets.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
-
The chemical is commonly used in aquatics to sanitize by killing harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and typically dissolves in water.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
3 June 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
-
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
-
Then, take a non-abrasive sponge and scrub.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
5 June 2026
-
Wash nonstick pans with mild detergent and a soft sponge, not abrasive scrubbers.—
Ryan Brennan
June 2,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
Launched in early 1982, the original MOTU line-up saw He-Man and Skeletor joined by heroes Teela (at this point, the only female character), Man-at-Arms and Stratos; the morally ambiguous Zodac; and a couple of Skeletor's henchmen, Beast Man and Mer-Man.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
1 June 2026
-
The remoteness of their surroundings is no accident; one of these characters is fleeing an inconvenient past, which returns with a vengeance in the form of a beefy sadist (Benoît Magimel) and his two hostage-taking henchmen.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Free rider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free%20rider. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
