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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free rider
Noun
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Doctors say if animal waste is left to dry out for about 2 to 4 weeks, the parasite's eggs can cause an infection.—
Amy Corral,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026 -
The gastroenterologist thought that Beran might have been dealing with a parasite and did some stool tests, all of which came back negative.—
Maressa Brown,
Parents,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Julie Ann Leon, 45, of the 2000 block of Damon Street in Portage, now faces a Level 6 felony charge of neglect of a dependent.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
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Although tempting, your beloved cat or dog doesn’t qualify as a dependent.—
Miriam Fauzia,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Use a Dirty Sponge Working with a clean sponge is essential when washing dishes by hand.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
7 Mar. 2026
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These minerals act as a thermal sponge by soaking up water vapor to release heat.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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During the ensuing gun battle between soldiers and cartel henchmen, Oseguera escaped.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 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 9 Mar. 2026.
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