free-for-all
noun
: a competition, dispute, or fight open to all comers and usually with no rules : brawl
also
: a chaotic situation resembling a free-for-all especially in lacking rules or structure
the press conference deteriorated into a free-for-all
free-for-all
adjective
Examples of free-for-all in a Sentence
during the play-offs, fans of the opposing teams clashed in the streets in several free-for-alls
it was a free-for-all when the doors to the arena opened and the crowd rushed in all at once
Recent Examples on the Web
No one has to compete for airplay or video placements or even Billboard slots anymore to get exposure; the online algorithm is both a free-for-all and the end-all-be-all.
—
Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 9 June 2026
But the number of publications was limited—about 100 total in the 13 states—and the authority of editors and writers meant that a free press didn’t turn into a free-for-all.
—Jeffrey Rosen, The Atlantic, 6 June 2026
This year, Democrats have tended to vote later than Republicans because of a gubernatorial free-for-all with an uncertain frontrunner, which means late counting should favor Democrats.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 3 June 2026
Still, cities are looking for ways to not make the streets a robot free-for-all.
—Michelle Marchante
june 3, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for free-for-all
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Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 9 June 2026
But the number of publications was limited—about 100 total in the 13 states—and the authority of editors and writers meant that a free press didn’t turn into a free-for-all.
—Jeffrey Rosen, The Atlantic, 6 June 2026
This year, Democrats have tended to vote later than Republicans because of a gubernatorial free-for-all with an uncertain frontrunner, which means late counting should favor Democrats.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 3 June 2026
Still, cities are looking for ways to not make the streets a robot free-for-all.
—Michelle Marchante
june 3, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for free-for-all
Cite this Entry
“Free-for-all.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free-for-all. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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