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
  • The parasites have performed well under lab conditions but transitions to practical application must be handled with extreme care.
    — Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Clean up dog poop promptly; keep up with veterinary care and parasite prevention; and clean the bowls, bedding, crates, and toys of a pet being treated for giardia.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of parasite
Noun
  • Spouses who file their taxes separately are not each able to claim the same dependent, said Scott Buchanan, executive director of the Student Loan Servicing Alliance, a trade group for federal student loan servicers.
    — Annie Nova, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The Internal Revenue Service has specific rules that determine who can be claimed as a dependent.
    — Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of dependent
Noun
  • Sponge The sponge typically consists of a soft layer of foam that sits between the blade and the rubber.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Sometimes, that means turning an African shower sponge into a top.
    — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of sponge
Noun
  • The psychedelic sequence that follows, punctuated by three European henchmen tailing the girls in a black SUV, is funny enough.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Almost immediately upon showing up, Oliver’s character kills a henchman.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 July 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 17 Aug. 2026.

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