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
The Carroll County Public Library will be hosting the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, a nonprofit statewide legal service provider that assists in meeting the need for free civil legal services for community memes facing financial hardships, for a workshop, Feb. 8. Allana Haynes, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2025 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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Ashley Vega, People.com, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
In return, Israel will free as many as 1,000 Palestinians held in Israeli jails and its troops will withdraw from city centers in Gaza, a key coastal road and a strategic strip of land along the border with Egypt. Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025 In exchange, Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and withdraw its troops from Gaza's frontlines. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for free 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
  • Each fellow received a grant and mentorship to launch an independent creative project.
    Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 15 Jan. 2025
  • The former legislative seat of a newly independent Ukraine, this national icon was severely damaged by a missile blast in 2022, highlighting war's impact on heritage and the power of preservation to catalyze healing.
    Neda Ulaby, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Just be sure a pack plenty of loose clothing for all the feasting.
    Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Under Xi, China has become more authoritarian, and Beijing has drawn closer to like-minded countries, including Russia and Iran, drawing intense hostility from Washington that sees this loose coalition of dictatorial nations as bent on creating a more dangerous and volatile multipolar world.
    Brad Dress, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Still waiting for an organ, Richard relented, deciding to accept his friend’s generous offer.
    Allan Chernoff, Hartford Courant, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Viewpoints on responsible relief As an example of how tax reform could be undertaken responsibly, Kelly alluded to her signature policy priority, Medicaid expansion, suggesting that its enactment could offset generous tax relief.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Leafs might be asking too much of him as a 33-year-old playing mostly on his off side in a top-four role.
    Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
  • And once production started, the director and composer lived together, continuing their collaboration in off hours.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • By: Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL Express U.S. As the new year approaches, many small business owners and managers are asking themselves some familiar questions about the future.
    Greg Hewitt, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
  • And the plotting didn’t take place in strange, distant areas: Among those charged with acts of brutality or acting as conspirators in the insurrection were residents of Ormond Beach, Titusville, Kissimmee and other familiar, nearby cities.
    Orlando Sentinel and New York Daily News Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Again, because all of these are estimates, a single score is less useful than tracking your score over time.
    Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The series will have a three-episode premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025; single episodes will follow weekly.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • One has since been released from custody, and the other was returned to jail.
    Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Although there are no cameras in the courtroom, an audio recording of the proceedings will be released after the hearing concludes.
    Graham Kates, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But the future of Brady & Fox, which Brady opened in 2022 at 751 E. 63rd St., remained uncertain.
    David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Monster Hunter Wilds open beta test 2 rewards Those who participate in MH Wilds open beta test 2 will receive a bonus pendant and a beta test 2 item pack.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near free

Cite this Entry

“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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