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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in costless
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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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

Example 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
Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation, the Colorscience Total Protection Brush-On Shield is a powder, paraben-free and freagrance-free formulation, designed with broad spectrum SPF 50 that’s water- and sweat-resistant for 80 minutes. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 23 May 2026 Billings faces former team Monique Billings played her first game against the Valkyries since departing the Bay Area in free agency. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 May 2026
Verb
Lawyers for the family filed for an emergency injunction with Judge Fred Biery of the Western District of Texas, who had freed them. Alan Gionet, CBS News, 28 May 2026 Higher-Level Human Work The real value of AI starts with efficiency by handling repetitive tasks, freeing workers to focus on more strategic, creative and judgment-driven activities, such as higher-quality decision-making and revenue generation. Ameya Kanitkar, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
  • Also, only Congress has the authority to authorize spending and independent agencies were set up to be out of the reach of the executive branch, but neither check is being respected.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
  • But independent estimates place the number to more than 1,000.
    Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Adjective
  • Hungary’s new minister of culture, Zoltán Tarr, shares his vision for fostering freedom of expression in a liberated local art scene.
    Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 14 May 2026
  • Freyre said he's been dreaming of a liberated Cuba since almost immediately after Castro took over.
    CBS News, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Snell underwent surgery 10 days ago to remove loose bodies from his left elbow.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
  • The loose sand was taxing and forced us off our bikes several times, slowing our momentum.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Not all pads are alike, but a footprint on the larger side involves five to ten acres of cleared, packed ground that serves as the hub for drilling equipment, which can include wellheads, pump jacks, tanks, wastewater storage pits, trailers, and flare stacks.
    Alex Heard, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026
  • What counts as a cleared sidewalk?
    Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 1 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Barton 1792 doesn’t disclose its mash bill, but it is generally described as corn-forward, with a generous wheat component and a small, malted barley portion.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
  • In addition, Ohmes said that the company's foray into organic items along with its generous loyalty program has upside potential.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 23 May 2026
Adjective
  • On Wednesday afternoon, the Indiana Fever superstar took advantage of an off day to catch some MLB action at Oracle Park.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 May 2026
  • The beauty mogul utilizes every weapon in her arsenal to ensure her off-duty looks make the highest impact possible.
    Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Shange describes the Bacchanal as familiar and minimal.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
  • Sources familiar with the situation, granted anonymity like all those consulted for this article to protect relationships, acknowledged there was consternation at the top at his behaviour and wondered whether Glasner’s position was becoming untenable.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • The single drove in a third run, but center fielder Andy Pages scooped up the ball and caught Gary Sánchez trying to go from first to third on the play, ending the inning.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
  • The team also broke the NCAA single-season team run record with 651.
    Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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