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
  • Most standard portable filters only catch parasites, so check that any filter is certified to NSF Standard 53 or 58 with a small enough pore size.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • Police said nearly all the dogs that were surrendered tested positive for whipworm, an intestinal parasite known to cause anemia that, if left untreated, can eventually result in the death of an animal.
    Erika Stanish, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Borrowing limits for Parent PLUS are also changing Parent PLUS loans also will be capped at $20,000 a year per student, with a $65,000 lifetime limit per dependent, unless a borrower already has one of those loans.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 18 June 2026
  • While patterns are complex, China’s investment in South Korea grows, while North Korea remains a costly dependent of Beijing.
    Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Scrub the grates with an old rag or abrasive dish sponge and rinse well.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 27 June 2026
  • Chemical sunscreens cover the skin in a transparent coating, acting like a solar sponge.
    Guy German, Fortune, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • Now, Lilith must team up with Cinderella to fight biker trolls, outrun evil henchmen, and escape the Screaming Woods.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 23 June 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Free rider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free%20rider. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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