as in parasites
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 freeloaders
Allied participation should likewise be expanded so that deterrence is shared rather than carried by Washington alone for the benefit of freeloaders who consume Middle Eastern hydrocarbons and fertilizers.
—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
That will weed out the frauds, freeloaders and slumlords.
—
Scott Ostler,
San Francisco Chronicle,
1 Mar. 2026
Under Bolsonaro, state funding dried up, and the government painted artists as freeloaders wasting taxpayer money.
—
Michael Schulman,
New Yorker,
20 Feb. 2026
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
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
That will weed out the frauds, freeloaders and slumlords.
—
Scott Ostler,
San Francisco Chronicle,
1 Mar. 2026
Under Bolsonaro, state funding dried up, and the government painted artists as freeloaders wasting taxpayer money.
—
Michael Schulman,
New Yorker,
20 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for freeloaders
parasites
Noun
-
It is caused by eating or drinking food contaminated with either bacteria, viruses, parasites or a harmful toxin.
-
Only in these United States can the progeny of people once portrayed as parasites and invaders side with those making the same argument about the latest batch of newcomers.
Cite this Entry
“Freeloaders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freeloaders. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
