FREE RIDER Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

free rider

noun

Definition of 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.

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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

In July, the US was hit with a wave of explosive diarrhea caused by an outbreak of cyclospora, a parasite that spreads through food and water tainted with human feces.

— Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 20 Aug. 2026
Like salmonella, the cyclospora parasite also causes nausea, as well as intense, watery diarrhea that can linger for weeks.

— Erika Edwards, NBC news, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of parasite

Noun

Going to college doesn’t necessarily mean a student is no longer your dependent.

— Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Spouses who file their taxes separately are not each able to claim the same dependent, said Scott Buchanan, executive director of the Student Loan Servicing Alliance, a trade group for federal student loan servicers.

— Annie Nova, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of dependent

Noun

The coffin was covered with mud, and, before bringing it inside his house, Luwi cleaned it off with a bucket of water and a sponge.

— Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Use a sponge or cloth to scrub all surfaces, paying special attention to zippers, corners, and latches where bacteria can hide.

— Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of sponge

Noun

After seven years of no sleep, grief, and nightmares, Suleyman finally reunites with his mother in Paradise—just as henchmen, cops, and one very bad raid drag him back into hell.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 18 Aug. 2026
Almost immediately upon showing up, Oliver’s character kills a henchman.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 July 2026

Definition of henchman

Browse Nearby Words

freemen

free rider

free riders

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“Free rider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free%20rider. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of free rider

noun

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