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
  • These parasites primarily infest the eyes of cats and dogs but can sometimes make their way into human eyes inadvertently.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Without the ecological check of microbial parasites, humans proliferated.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of parasite
Noun
  • Over the years, Morgan did in fact become Gabe’s de facto dad, and Gabe his dependent.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The woman was not named in the statement, has been charged with neglect of a dependent.
    — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of dependent
Noun
  • But Mitts wine sponges, designed first and foremost for cleaning delicate glassware, offer a great reason to pay attention to the small stuff.
    — Editors of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply foundation with a sponge.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of sponge
Noun
  • Crosby can… um… provide funny reaction shots when henchmen get killed!
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026
  • That may prove a moot point as Zelda was later seen giving her henchman, who had located the sisters, instructions to go as high as needed to secure their shares.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 Sep. 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 Oct. 2026.

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