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.
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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
Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free rider
Noun
-
It’s caused by a parasite, Cytauxzoon felis, that dwells in a species of tick known as the Lone Star tick − named for a single white dot on the backs of adult females.—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
21 May 2026
-
Tick bites can transmit bacteria, parasites and viruses into your blood.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Once a child is declared a dependent of the court and is placed in foster care, as Jaxon was, social workers are required to visit in person at least once a month.—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
-
Sacramento police had arrested Adger on suspicion of battery, resisting or obstructing a peace officer, and inflicting undue suffering or pain on a dependent.—
Darrell Smith
May 1,
Sacbee.com,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Combine two parts vinegar with one part dish soap in a spray bottle and apply it to surfaces with soap scum, rubbing it in with a sponge or brush.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
22 May 2026
-
To recreate this look, grab your favorite shades of nail polish and a clean makeup sponge.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
21 May 2026
Noun
-
Competing alongside two Americans, Roper (John Saxon) and Williams (Jim Kelly), Lee methodically dispatches Han’s henchmen and avenges his sister’s death in the process.—
David Faris,
TheWeek,
20 May 2026
-
Major Roberto Carlos told the silent henchman to sit me down at the back of the building, where another agent came and took my phone and laptop with him down a long hall.—
Abraham Jiménez Enoa,
The Dial,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Free rider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free%20rider. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
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