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
  • Artemisinin is activated by hemoglobin digestion, so to get better, patients actually need the parasite to eat.
    — Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • In the original manga, Ryoko Tamiya is a parasite who takes over the body of a high school teacher.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 July 2026
Definition of parasite
Noun
  • The levy, which took effect July 1, ranges from $325 to $725 for each employee and their dependent.
    — Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
  • Evidence of similar injuries was found on another 18-year-old dependent in the couple’s care, resulting in additional misdemeanor assault charges, officials said.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026
Definition of dependent
Noun
  • The lowest score came from The Guardian, which handed it two stars out of five, while Giant Bomb landed positive overall with a complaint that the boss fights lean on damage sponges more than puzzles.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Those other structures are covered in soft, bendy corals, sponges, marine plants and algae.
    — Alex Harris July 22, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Definition of sponge
Noun
  • Almost immediately upon showing up, Oliver’s character kills a henchman.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 July 2026
  • And so does Jesse — particularly the latest installment, which sees the iconic henchmen find themselves as accidental stars in 1920s Hollywood.
    — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Definition of henchman

Browse Nearby Words

freemen
free rider
free riders
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Free rider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free%20rider. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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