free riders

Definition of free ridersnext
plural of free rider
as in parasites
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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for free riders
Noun
  • While viral infections are the most common cause in the United States, bacteria, parasites and fungi can also cause the condition.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The Florida Museum of Natural History notes that the pythons have also introduced harmful non-native parasites to Florida and reduced medium-sized mammal populations by more than 90%, significantly changing the Everglades ecosystem.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Key witnesses in the government’s case included Spann’s top henchmen, who cooperated with prosecutors in hopes for leniency.
    Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
  • This is potentially disastrous, given that Josh is now in the custody of the chairwoman’s henchmen.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
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.

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“Free riders.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free%20riders. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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