free rider

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.

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for free rider
Noun
  • While freezing can also kill the parasite, freezing and then warming the milk for a long time for fermentation could cause foodborne pathogens to arise, according to the study.
    Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Live ants carry the risk of parasites, while freezing or dehydrating the insects can unintentionally allow harmful bacteria to flourish.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues monthly benefits to more than 70 million people nationwide, a group that includes retirees, disabled workers, and the dependents of deceased wage earners.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Natalia’s story grabbed the attention of the public in 2019 when Indiana prosecutors leveled charges against the Barnetts for allegedly neglecting a dependent.
    Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Instead of adding texture via techniques like sponge painting, opt for limewash or clay plaster treatment.
    Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Think of the amount of moisture in the atmosphere like the amount of water in a sponge.
    Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Over eight episodes, the brothers find themselves at the mercy of Mancuso — a former family friend — and his vicious henchmen, and they are forced to confront the emotional scars of growing up with an alcoholic father, who had gambled away his own restaurant.
    Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2025
  • In broad daylight, a presidential henchman openly threatened to inflict financial pain in retribution for speech the leader doesn't like.
    Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Free rider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free%20rider. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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