free rider

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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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for free rider
Noun
  • These methods sort through the DNA in a sample looking for specific genes that are signatures of parasites like pinworms, as well as bacterial pathogens.
    Veronique Greenwood, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Extreme temperatures, parasites, viruses, fungi, and bacteria are also major dangers.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Those with more than two children or additional qualifying dependents may receive even more.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Coverage was more common among large corporations; 70% of employers with 20,000 or more workers provided IVF coverage for workers and their dependents, according to Mercer.
    Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Lightly scrub with a sponge or soft brush, then remove the product.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Plants act like sponges, Martineau explained.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Besides being mugged by one of Iza’s henchmen, a brick was thrown through his window and his car was vandalized.
    Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Clarke played villain henchmen Mac in the film partly set and filmed in Sydney, Australia.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025
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 29 Oct. 2025.

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