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

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
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. Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 26 Jan. 2025 To get a free copy of their book Home to Home Local Edition – Kansas City Metro, Kansas and Missouri, just call the office. Archway Homes, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2025
Verb
Freed hostages spent over eight months in tunnels, says Israeli officer The most recent hostages to be released from captivity were four female Israeli soldiers freed on January 25. Lauren Izso, CNN, 27 Jan. 2025 Trump also made good on his commitment to free those convicted for their actions during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, commuting or pardoning some 1,500 rioters, including those who violently assaulted police officers. ABC News, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for free 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
  • Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings.
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The inspectors general are independent watchdogs within agencies who investigate and disclose waste, fraud and abuse.
    Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The ski lift is 15 meters (more than 49 feet) high, the Spanish Civil Guard said in a post on X. Part of its structure collapsed after one of its pulleys became loose, Spanish public broadcaster RTVE reported.
    Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 18 Jan. 2025
  • If your exhaust fan is still noisy after cleaning, this could indicate loose screws or a problem with the motor.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • While the garlic cools, bring 2 to 3 cups water and a generous pinch of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan.
    Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 28 Jan. 2025
  • The property encompasses a generous 8,600 square feet of land.
    Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Often, Jones would bring his daughter to the facility on an off day.
    Chad Graff, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
  • So on this off day, Powell got a massage in preparation for the grind to come.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The sense of disharmony is immediate: a familiar scene of youth and learning is grimly debased into one of peril.
    Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2025
  • And after one stop in Baltimore, that tour returns to its familiar home at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The average capacity of a single roadway is typically ~2,000 passengers per hour while the average capacity of a subway line is closer to 50,000 passengers per hour.
    Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Read Article > Nov 20, 2024 Sean Hollister Nvidia just made nearly $20 billion in pure profit in a single quarter. $14.8 billion profit in Q1, $16.6 billion in Q2, and now $19.3 billion in Q3 of fiscal 2025 — that’s profit, not earnings.
    Verge Staff, The Verge, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In an earlier Inclusions List, 476 theatrically released movies from 2019 to 2023 were analyzed, with on screen and behind-the-camera data used to determine the 150 most inclusive films in that four-year period.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Others demanded the name of the suspect, who police say is from Old Bridge, be released.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its economy and promote foreign investment, the youthful kingdom (63% of the Saudi population is under the age of 30) is a promising emerging market for luxury: Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Chanel have opened stores in the country.
    Matteo Atti, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The gala world premiere of survival thriller Tornado, the sophomore feature from Scottish director John Maclean (Slow West), will open the fest on Feb. 26.
    Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near free

Cite this Entry

“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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