free rider

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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for free rider
Noun
  • Sette is considered an expert on human T cells, the immune cells that adapt to recognize and fight infections from viruses, bacteria, parasites and other pathogens.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Brandi Glanville continues to take fans along on her battle against an aggressive facial parasite, with the latest development looking good for the reality TV star.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Courts also consider household size, marital status, dependents and regional cost-of-living differences.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Now that Rosalinda and Manuel were expecting to live in Mexico starting next year, Ana was claiming Lily as a financial dependent so that Lily would still be eligible for in-state tuition and federal financial aid.
    Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Then, use a makeup sponge to dab pink into the center of the nail for an aura effect.
    Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Consider other products that complement the shower steamer experience, like shower gels, lotions and loofah sponges, in your gift set too.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Though many high-profile cases went nowhere, the case of Hitler’s henchman Martin Bormann is exemplary in showing how inefficient Argentina was in its investigations.
    Solly Boussidan, FOXNews.com, 18 Jan. 2026
  • Lawyers nationwide condemned White House henchman Stephen Miller for his false, provocative claims that ICE agents have immunity for their acts.
    Jackie Calmes, Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2026
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 2 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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