free riders

Definition of free ridersnext
plural of free rider
as in parasites
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.

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for free riders
Noun
  • Despite concerns that shared hot springs may increase exposure to intestinal parasites, the bathing macaques did not have higher parasite infection rates or intensities than those that stayed out of the water.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Ivermectin, which originated as a treatment for horse parasites, gained traction on social media during the pandemic as an option for treating coronavirus.
    Will Carless, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Also newly attached to Write to Kill are Simon Newton and Mike Wood, who will play henchmen.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 4 Dec. 2025
  • Kyle’s wife, Tracy, suddenly leaves Kingstown for her sister’s home in Ohio this week, urged by Kyle and Mike to get herself and her baby as far away from Merle’s henchmen as possible.
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 23 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry

“Free riders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free%20riders. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.

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