free market
noun
plural free markets
: an economic system in which prices are based on competition among private businesses and are not controlled or regulated by a government : a market (see market entry 1 sense 4d) operating by free competition
… the free market works best when businesses compete to provide the best services …—
Chris Tomlinson
Chris TomlinsonA free market, technically, requires no government intervention, which is why capitalists usually land on the right of the political spectrum. In America, the government regulates businesses for reasons of social welfare and public safety …, so we don't operate in a truly free market.—Carolyn Twersky
—often hyphenated when used before another nounCarolyn Twerskyfree-market competition
free-market principles
One of the basic premises of the free-market system is that actors are free to buy from or sell to a variety of other actors.—Barry C. Lynn
Barry C. LynnExamples of free market in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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What’s behind this hands-off approach is a staunch belief in free market capitalism to maximize growth and social good.
—Paul Tudor Jones, Time, 25 June 2025
And obviously, when running in a free market energy production arena, there’s little control of the profit margin sought by the suppliers.
—Paul G. Pinsky, Baltimore Sun, 19 June 2025
Policies pushed by former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are prime examples that jeopardize competitive free market mechanisms and the passenger experience.
—Jackson Shedelbower, Oc Register, 17 June 2025
Bezos also mentioned free markets and personal liberties when describing the section’s new mandate, which drew backlash from some staffers — including from Marty Baron, the Post’s revered former executive editor under whom the outlet won 11 Pulitzer Prizes — and praise from some conservatives.
—Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 11 June 2025
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Paul Tudor Jones, Time, 25 June 2025
And obviously, when running in a free market energy production arena, there’s little control of the profit margin sought by the suppliers.
—Paul G. Pinsky, Baltimore Sun, 19 June 2025
Policies pushed by former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are prime examples that jeopardize competitive free market mechanisms and the passenger experience.
—Jackson Shedelbower, Oc Register, 17 June 2025
Bezos also mentioned free markets and personal liberties when describing the section’s new mandate, which drew backlash from some staffers — including from Marty Baron, the Post’s revered former executive editor under whom the outlet won 11 Pulitzer Prizes — and praise from some conservatives.
—Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for free market
Cite this Entry
“Free market.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20market. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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