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.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for free riders
Noun
  • When countries are unable to provide treatment, the parasites that cause these diseases will spread to infect more people.
    Philip Budge, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The parasites are not a health risk if the fish is cooked to at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • At his orders, cartel henchmen began setting fire to vehicles, gas stations and government buildings and blockaded major highways.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
  • During the ensuing gun battle between soldiers and cartel henchmen, Oseguera escaped.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Free riders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free%20riders. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster