free 1 of 2

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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

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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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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
The Kings Island Gold Pass gives guests season-long access to Kings Island, Soak City Water Park and free general parking. Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 July 2025 Military veterans and children aged 2 and under are free. Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
Learning to let go of the control of the visuals, and writing scripts for other artists like Dustin was really freeing. Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 11 July 2025 In the future, the AI startup will open up its browser to free users and support more operating systems. PC Magazine, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
  • President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 37%, according to a new Gallup poll, the lowest mark of his second term as independent voters have increasingly soured on his presidency.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 26 July 2025
  • On July 22, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed controversial legislation that would de facto place the country’s independent anti-corruption bodies under government control.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Their wildly liberated sound, which mixes punk and dembow and rap, doesn’t sound like anyone else out there.
    Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2025
  • Each name had more meaning than just a liberated village.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The drone with its live, loose grenade needs to be handled by an explosive ordnance disposal tech.
    David Hambling, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • If there is time, secure loose objects outside as these objects often become dangerous flying debris in high winds.
    Eva Wen, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • When a wage proposal this significant is combined with zero-premium healthcare and generous retirement contributions, there is no question who is responsible for this ongoing strike: Teamsters Local 25 and its president Tom Mari.
    Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 14 July 2025
  • This is an excellent, strange little book that appeared in 2011 and had a profound impact on me, and apparently on Florence Welch who adorns the cover with a generous quote.
    Hattie Williams July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Avoid wrapping leftover cut lemons in aluminum foil, which can react with the acidity in the fruit, causing an off flavor.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 15 July 2025
  • No team could use an off day than the New York Mets.
    John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Blackpink superstar joined the F1 soundtrack, which is packed with familiar musicians across a variety of genres.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Despite returning to its familiar franchises, the company isn’t giving up on original storytelling.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Machado began the bottom of the sixth with a single grounded through the middle of the infield on the first pitch of his at-bat.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • For a single taxpayer, the 12% tax rate applied on taxable income from $11,926 through $48,475 in 2025.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Tammi made her feature directorial debut with the supernatural horror film The Wind, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2018 and was released by IFC Midnight.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 July 2025
  • No focus on broadband affordability Carr's proposal, which was released on Thursday and is scheduled for a vote on August 7, criticized the previous administration's approach.
    Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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