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

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
Noun
  • Zach Raff, an assistant professor of agricultural and resource economics at NC State, previously told the Observer the parasite poses low risk to North Carolina as long as infected animals are quarantined.
    Eva Flowe July 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026
  • It is caused by eating or drinking food contaminated with either bacteria, viruses, parasites or a harmful toxin.
    Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Evidence of similar injuries was found on another 18-year-old dependent in the couple’s care, resulting in additional misdemeanor assault charges, officials said.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026
  • Borrowing limits for Parent PLUS are also changing Parent PLUS loans also will be capped at $20,000 a year per student, with a $65,000 lifetime limit per dependent, unless a borrower already has one of those loans.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Allow the solution to work for at least five minutes and, again, starting at the top of the door, scrub with a sponge.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 28 June 2026
  • Scrub the grates with an old rag or abrasive dish sponge and rinse well.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • And so does Jesse — particularly the latest installment, which sees the iconic henchmen find themselves as accidental stars in 1920s Hollywood.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
  • Now, Lilith must team up with Cinderella (Amanda Seyfried) to fight biker trolls, outrun evil henchmen, and escape the Screaming Woods on an epic quest to save the kingdom, but most importantly, their relationship.
    Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 25 June 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 5 Jul. 2026.

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