free speech
noun
: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
also
: the right to such speech
an unconstitutional restraint on free speech —
Nat'l Law Jour.
Nat'l Law Jour. Examples of free speech in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ozturk’s lawyers have said that her detention violates her constitutional rights, including free speech and due process.
—Kathy McCormack and Michael Casey, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025
The demonstrations and Columbia’s response put the school at the center of a national debate over how to protect students from harassment by demonstrators while also protecting the free speech and rights of protesters.
—Sharon Otterman, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
The possibility of a lawsuit over the boosting of a false rumor raises intriguing questions about the scope of defamation law and First Amendment free speech protections for media personalities.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 Apr. 2025
The 22nd Amendment capping the president at two terms is as integral to the Constitution as any of the Amendments, from free speech and the right to practice the religion of your choice to trial by jury or the prohibition of quartering troops in private homes.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2025
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Kathy McCormack and Michael Casey, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025
The demonstrations and Columbia’s response put the school at the center of a national debate over how to protect students from harassment by demonstrators while also protecting the free speech and rights of protesters.
—Sharon Otterman, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
The possibility of a lawsuit over the boosting of a false rumor raises intriguing questions about the scope of defamation law and First Amendment free speech protections for media personalities.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 Apr. 2025
The 22nd Amendment capping the president at two terms is as integral to the Constitution as any of the Amendments, from free speech and the right to practice the religion of your choice to trial by jury or the prohibition of quartering troops in private homes.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free speech
Cite this Entry
“Free speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20speech. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
free speech
noun1
: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
setting off an alarm bell is not free speech—A. M. Dershowitz
A. M. Dershowitz2
: freedom of speech
an unconstitutional restraint on free speech—National Law Journal
National Law JournalLove words? Need even more definitions?
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