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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free rider
Noun
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After a grueling three-year battle, Brandi Glanville has finally determined the cause of her facial parasite.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Feb. 2026 -
Glanville even tried using Nair, the hair-removal product, to fight the parasite.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Although tempting, your beloved cat or dog doesn’t qualify as a dependent.—
Miriam Fauzia,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Feb. 2026
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Under the bill, able-bodied individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 without dependents must work or attend a work program, such as SNAP Employment and Training, at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits.—
Isa Almeida,
Oklahoman,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The species discovered include ancient relatives of worms, sponges and jellyfish.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Feb. 2026
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What Lived 512 Million Years Ago The species discovered include ancient relatives of worms, sponges and jellyfish.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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At his orders, cartel henchmen began setting fire to vehicles, gas stations and government buildings and blockaded major highways.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026
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During the ensuing gun battle between soldiers and cartel henchmen, Oseguera escaped.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Free rider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free%20rider. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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