free association
noun
1
a
: the expression (as by speaking or writing) of the content of consciousness without censorship as an aid in gaining access to unconscious processes especially in psychoanalysis
b
: the reporting of the first thought that comes to mind in response to a given stimulus (such as a word)
2
: an idea or image elicited by free association
3
: a method using free association
Examples of free association in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While there has even been some talk of a military invasion, there are other ways America could gain control of the Arctic territory, such as free association, which is the ability to maintain self-government along with a voluntary and mutual partnership with a sovereign state.
—
Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
The complaint argues the administration is in violation of violating the First Amendment through retaliation, viewpoint discrimination, free association and other claims.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Refusal to share details Cook Islands, with a population of 15,000, a tourism economy and a large exclusive economic zone, is a self-governing country in free association with New Zealand, which provides the bulk of development funding.
—Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2025
The Cook Islands is in free association with New Zealand, which means its people hold New Zealand citizenship.
—Helen Regan, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free association
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Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
The complaint argues the administration is in violation of violating the First Amendment through retaliation, viewpoint discrimination, free association and other claims.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Refusal to share details Cook Islands, with a population of 15,000, a tourism economy and a large exclusive economic zone, is a self-governing country in free association with New Zealand, which provides the bulk of development funding.
—Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2025
The Cook Islands is in free association with New Zealand, which means its people hold New Zealand citizenship.
—Helen Regan, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free association
Cite this Entry
“Free association.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20association. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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