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
Vance’s speech warned that European governments threatened their own security more than China or Russia because of their policies on free speech and immigration.
—Stephen Collinson, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025
The speech in Germany, stunned European allies who took umbrage with Vance’s remarks chastising the European nations over free speech rights and mass migration problems.
—Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 22 Feb. 2025
Abelson found that the orders may be unconstitutional and could violate free speech rights, according to the Associated Press, after plaintiffs including the city of Baltimore and higher education groups sued Trump earlier this month.
—Jordan King, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
What to Know About Salman Rushdie's 'Satanic Verses' Controversy
Rushdie eventually moved to New York and became an advocate for free speech.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free speech
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.
Stephen Collinson, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025
The speech in Germany, stunned European allies who took umbrage with Vance’s remarks chastising the European nations over free speech rights and mass migration problems.
—Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 22 Feb. 2025
Abelson found that the orders may be unconstitutional and could violate free speech rights, according to the Associated Press, after plaintiffs including the city of Baltimore and higher education groups sued Trump earlier this month.
—Jordan King, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
What to Know About Salman Rushdie's 'Satanic Verses' Controversy
Rushdie eventually moved to New York and became an advocate for free speech.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 21 Feb. 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 3 Mar. 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?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share