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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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
  • The Grammy nominee styled her signature blonde hair in a half-up, half-down look with loose curls.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Their overall message was popular, too: A smaller federal government, looser regulations and a private sector approach to the public sector have long been cornerstones of conservative governance.
    Emily Wilkins, CNBC, 6 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 familiar problems with interceptions, lack of discipline and missed kicks keep popping up.
    Zac Jackson, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Yet there’s a familiar ring here: Republicans are back in power; deregulation and spending cuts to social programs meant to protect ordinary people are back in vogue.
    Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • These cameras capture just about everything, which can make for some pretty interesting footage whether that's a load of lumber flying and hitting a single vehicle on a busy overpass or a tornado tearing through a building in Lincoln, Nebraska in a matter of seconds.
    Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Yet the two didn’t have a single chemistry read before being cast together.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 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
  • This capability improves leasing conversions and opens new avenues for ecommerce.
    Ali Hoss, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The 54th edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) will open with the world premiere of dark comedy Fabula from Dutch filmmaker Michiel ten Horn and close with historical epic This City Is a Battlefield from Indonesian director Mouly Surya.
    Sara Merican, Deadline, 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 22 Dec. 2024.

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