1
as in independent
not being under the rule or control of another
the 20th century saw many African countries become free after many years of European rule
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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3
as in loose
not bound, confined, or detained by force
all of the animals in the game preserve are free to roam all over its vast area
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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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5
as in cleared
allowing passage without obstruction
make sure the pass is free before you attempt the trip through the mountains this winter
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6
as in generous
giving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation
the lottery winner was very free with his money
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7
as in off
not being in a state of use, activity, or employment
this computer terminal is free if you need to use it
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8
as in familiar
showing a lack of proper social reserve or modesty
she's a little too free with information about her social life
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9
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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1
as in to release
to set free (as from slavery or confinement)
a global crusade to free Nelson Mandela from a South African prison had emerged
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2
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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3
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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4
as in to rid
to set (a person or thing) free of something that encumbers
a phone call would free your parents from worry
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5
as in to liberate
to set free from entanglement or difficulty
this plan should free us from debt
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of free
Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Deputies responding to the 911 call arrived to find the man’s wife and son zip-tied in a bedroom on the third floor of the house; the bedroom door was tied shut with a wire that needed to be cut to free the victims, according to the complaint.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Adjective
That’s the one place where the exchange of ideas should be most free.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
Lower borrowing costs will likely unlock more listings, freeing those homeowners who have been locked into their properties by lower monthly payments, while also allowing more buyers to get back on the market.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Deputies responding to the 911 call arrived to find the man’s wife and son zip-tied in a bedroom on the third floor of the house; the bedroom door was tied shut with a wire that needed to be cut to free the victims, according to the complaint.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
-
The move sent shockwaves through the wrestling world and marked the end of one of the most successful independent runs in modern history.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
-
The hope is that the new independent football regulator will shift the balance and implement rules unhampered by self-interest.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Following openers Chanel Beads and The Japanese House, the New Zealand singer delivered a liberated 90-minute set fueled by her breathy, conversational vocals and raw, unpredictable movements.—
Audrey Gibbs,
Nashville Tennessean,
21 Sep. 2025
-
Coming to terms with colonial-era collaboration would pose one of the most vexing challenges in a liberated Korea.—
Kornel Chang
September 19,
Literary Hub,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Draped by defenders, the junior wideout corralled a miraculous catch in the red zone, then somehow slipped loose for a go-ahead 45-yard touchdown reception.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
-
When selecting loose sprouts, choose those that are bright green with leaves tightly compacted together.—
Bethany Thayer,
Freep.com,
27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The Barnshaws allowed for a generous 90-day close, and John had prepared everything for the young couple.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Loewe features a generous beach club, six cabins, three pools, an elevator, and a gym.—
Tristan Rutherford,
Robb Report,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Anderson has been responsible for some of the greatest ones of the 21st century, and even his off titles are pretty good, which makes ranking his work a particular challenge.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
-
But even in his off hours, Boose is still working.—
Audrey Gibbs,
Nashville Tennessean,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The America, once a familiar sight in San Diego, will soon undergo $200 million in maintenance and upgrades at General Dynamics-NASSCO in Barrio Logan.—
Gary Robbins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Kimmel then built toward a familiar pop culture comparison.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Derek Hough responded with a single slow clap—his signature nod of approval.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Francisco Lindor led off the game with a home run and drove in two other runs with a groundout in the fifth inning and a single in the sixth.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Baker escorted Skeet to Winkler County jail where he was booked and released on $20,000 bail.—
Mitch Moxley,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Both were in theatres for only a week or so, before being released on the platform.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
27 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
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