freeloading

present participle of freeload
as in begging
to live by relying on someone else's generosity or hospitality without sharing in the cost or responsibility after college, he freeloaded off his parents for several years before finally moving out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 freeloading Scientists tracking humpbacks off the coast of Australia have captured rare footage that shows clutches of the freeloading fish peeling away from their host in what looks like a high-speed game of chicken, just moments before the whale breaches. CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025 The specter of freeloading corporations using more space, water, and energy for AI processing has defined the race for the 30th House of Delegates district, well outside DC. David Weigel, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for freeloading
begging
Verb
  • By summer, buds cover the plant and, soon, soft, layered blossoms are begging you to cut them for the perfect bouquet.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The lush gardens and private office space provide plenty of scenic options for where to spend your alone time, while the covered patio is practically begging for a dinner party with the entire crew.
    Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Freeloading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freeloading. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster