as in parasite
a person who is supported by or seeks support from another without making an adequate return
a freeloader who apparently intends to live off of his long-suffering parents forever
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Recent Examples of freeloader
Campillo objected to that rationale, contending residents of nearby cities shouldn’t be treated the same as tourists or characterized as rich freeloaders for visiting Balboa Park as non-residents of San Diego.
—
David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026
Remember how in 2023 when swarms of these surly, entitled freeloaders suddenly materialized – in Terminal E, of all places.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 28 Nov. 2025
David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026
Remember how in 2023 when swarms of these surly, entitled freeloaders suddenly materialized – in Terminal E, of all places.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 28 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for freeloader
parasite
Noun
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When the characters aboard the Enterprise stop feeding the conflict, the parasite starves.—
Joe Palaggi,
Twin Cities,
11 Feb. 2026
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The drug, largely used to treat people or animals for infections caused by parasites, is a popular dewormer for horses.—
Rachana Pradhan,
STAT,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Freeloader.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freeloader. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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