free speech

noun

: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
also : the right to such speech
an unconstitutional restraint on free speech Nat'l Law Jour.

Examples of free speech in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Public-facing forums, symposia and town halls on civil liberties, free speech and public service can showcase the university as a national leader in bridging divides. John Marino, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 Despite the variety of organizations and government actions involved in these lawsuits, they all can be seen as struggles over free speech and expression, like Vullo. Ray Brescia, The Conversation, 23 June 2025 Khalil's lawyers say the Trump administration violated his constitutional rights around free speech and due process. Hannan Adely, USA Today, 22 June 2025 In Arkansas, the ACLU successfully argued in 2023 that the first-in-the-nation ban on gender-affirming care for minors violated the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause, as well as its Due Process Clause and the First Amendment’s protections of free speech. Brooke Migdon, The Hill, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for free speech

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free speech was in 1765

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Cite this Entry

“Free speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20speech. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

free speech

noun
: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
also : the right to such speech

Legal Definition

free speech

noun
1
: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
setting off an alarm bell is not free speechA. M. Dershowitz
2
: freedom of speech
an unconstitutional restraint on free speechNational Law Journal
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