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
  • Cats can become infected by ingesting raw meat or prey that carries the parasite.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • And if there's a bite mark, chances are some contamination has happened because animals can carry bacteria and parasites in their saliva.
    Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Certain visa holders such as students (F, J, M, Q visas), teachers, and trainees may qualify as exempt individuals for a limited period, along with their dependents; foreign government employees and certain international organization staff may also qualify.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Wipe The Exterior Wipe the exterior of the toaster oven with a damp cloth or sponge.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Nellie’s 3-Pack Swedish Dishcloths These Swedish dishcloths reduce the need for both sponges and single-use paper towels.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • At the end of the episode, tragedy strikes when Robbie’s latest robbery ends in one of his henchmen and all of the drug house’s attendants dying.
    Grace Byron, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The citizens of Venezuela don't deserve to live under the tyrannical rule of Maduro or any of his henchmen!
    Dan Gooding Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 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 18 Sep. 2025.

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