free 1 of 2

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as in freed
no longer burdened with something unpleasant or painful after our son arrived home safely, we were grateful to be free from worry

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as in gratis
not costing or charging anything although the museum normally charges admission, on Wednesdays it is free to all

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as in single
not physically attached to another unit an arrangement of free columns adds interest to the Greco-Roman sculpture garden

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free

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verb

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as in to open
to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions we'll free the river by breaking up the ice jam

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as in to clear
to rid the surface of (as an area) from things in the way would you mind freeing up the work area so I can work?

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For
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a free press
an unrestricted press
an uncensored press
an independent press
an unregulated press
an open press
free access
open access
public access
unlimited access
excellent access
free speech
open speech
uncensored speech
liberated speech
unchecked speech
free space
open space
clear space
eligible space
valid space
unlocked space
a free choice
a personal choice
an unfettered choice
an open choice
a willing choice
an independent choice

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective free contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of free are autonomous, independent, and sovereign. While all these words mean "not subject to the rule or control of another," free stresses the complete absence of external rule and the full right to make all of one's own decisions.

you're free to do as you like

When is it sensible to use autonomous instead of free?

While the synonyms autonomous and free are close in meaning, autonomous stresses independence in matters pertaining to self-government.

in this denomination each congregation is regarded as autonomous

When would independent be a good substitute for free?

In some situations, the words independent and free are roughly equivalent. However, independent implies a standing alone; applied to a state it implies lack of connection with any other having power to interfere with its citizens, laws, or policies.

the colony's struggle to become independent

When is sovereign a more appropriate choice than free?

The words sovereign and free are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sovereign stresses the absence of a superior power and implies supremacy within a thing's own domain or sphere.

separate and sovereign armed services

Examples Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of free
Adjective
Airlines’ loyalty programs are a cash cow, and getting the balance right between perks such as free upgrades and bringing in cash is key. Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 14 Dec. 2024 Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
Listen to this article Applications are now open for Connecticut families to apply to send their children to free public schools throughout the Greater Hartford Area for the upcoming school year as part of the open choice program, officials announced. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 Dec. 2024 These resources can be called into service to not only supply energy to power grids when needed, but also reduce the demand for electricity during peak demand times, effectively freeing up more energy for use. Michael Franco, New Atlas, 14 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for free 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
  • In this case, Holmes Cay, an independent bottler renowned for sourcing terrific rums from around the world, got its hands on a single cask filled in 2003 by a rum blending company in the UK, containing leftover rums from 13 distilleries in seven different countries.
    Tony Sachs, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
  • The independent retailer, which was started a decade ago by men’s marketing veteran Paul C. Witt, has two new locations — one of which marks its debut foray into womenswear — and a private label on the way.
    Marissa Muller, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Those expectations have boosted the shares of entrenched players like JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup, but have had a greater impact on potential disruptors like Dave that could see even more upside from a looser regulatory environment.
    Hugh Son, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024
  • While millennials experienced leopard denim in the form of indie sleaze skinny jeans in the early 2000s Gen Z is taking the trend into a new direction with loose, slouchier fits.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Globally, Ireland was this year's most generous country, and Norway was the top country in supporting fundraisers beyond its borders.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Engage In Active Listening One crucial strategy is generous listening.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • During these off days, Clark shot extremely well during drills.
    Sean Gregory, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Neither film is expected to open to over $20 million, in part because typically that date is often an off weekend.
    Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The Cheesecake Factory found itself at the top of the list, along with other familiar names including Panera Bread and Olive Garden.
    Kristian Burt, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024
  • This northside Japanese steakhouse serves familiar Japanese and Japanese-American dishes like tempura, katsu, hot pot, sushi and hibachi dishes.
    Bradley Hohulin, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Yet the two didn’t have a single chemistry read before being cast together.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
  • There is not a single coach in the history of football free of criticism.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The track is from Eilish's latest album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, which was released in May.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Book Retreats released its Holiday Relaxation Report, which detailed the best destinations around the world where travelers can find peace and quiet, including uncovering the top destinations for solitude.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Fremd won the Class 4A state title last winter and opened this season 8-1 heading into this week’s play.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The foundation administers scholarship and leadership development programs for college students and was central to creating the Jackie Robinson Museum, which opened in 2022 in New York City and focuses more on his impact off the field than his accomplishments on it.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near free

Cite this Entry

“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

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