free rider

noun

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
  1. parasite
  2. dependent
  3. sponge
  4. henchman
Noun
  • Different parasites have evolved different ways to interfere with those systems.
    — Tara Deans, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The intestinal parasites feast on their hosts, sucking valuable nutrients from mammals.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of parasite
Noun
  • And if the child is still considered a dependent of his parents and the parents live in Georgia, well, the jig will be up.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Over the years, Morgan did in fact become Gabe’s de facto dad, and Gabe his dependent.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of dependent
Noun
  • As such, using the same sponge on different surfaces promotes the spread of any bacteria hiding in your sponge.
    — Sarah Everett, The Spruce, 2 Nov. 2026
  • What became apparent to us was that the game was like a sponge for silly ideas.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of sponge
Noun
  • Perhaps the point is to intimidate Vela and her henchman, but the move puts our Tulsa truthstorian in new and uncomfortable territory.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Crosby can… um… provide funny reaction shots when henchmen get killed!
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of henchman

Browse Nearby Words

freemen
free rider
free riders
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Free rider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free%20rider. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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