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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
  • Analyzing mosquito waste showed the presence of viruses along with other parasites.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Under this theory, organisms figured out how to turn genes off to get these unruly genetic parasites under control.
    — Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of parasite
Noun
  • The woman was not named in the statement, has been charged with neglect of a dependent.
    — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Going to college doesn’t necessarily mean a student is no longer your dependent.
    — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of dependent
Noun
  • Use a non-abrasive scrubbing sponge or a microfiber cloth to remove all the loosened debris.
    — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Erika La'Pearl, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles, recommends bouncing a damp sponge over the product, while Meyers uses her ring finger to gently tap it into place for a softer finish.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of sponge
Noun
  • The last of Lila and Amisha’s henchmen has fled with the remaining supply of poison aerosol, intending to detonate it, on Amisha’s orders, at a nightclub.
    — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
  • After crash landing on the dark world directly onto the homing beacon, EO and his crazy crew are apprehended by a gang of warrior henchmen and hauled into the throne room to face the wicked alien ruler who is imprisoned in anger and hate.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of henchman

Browse Nearby Words

freemen
free rider
free riders
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Cite this Entry

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

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