free trade

noun

: trade based on the unrestricted international exchange of goods with tariffs used only as a source of revenue

Examples of free trade in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Anderson noted that shadow fleet activity poses a threat to world commerce by undermining free trade and putting legitimate commercial vessels in the crosshairs of political conflict. — Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Much of the country has come to see its commitments to free trade, collective security, and global institutions not as sources of American primacy but as a raw deal—a way for the world to free-ride on American power. — Ian Bremmer, Time, 25 June 2026

But the reality failed to live up to the hype as Britain struggled to adjust to life without unfettered access to the 27-nation free trade bloc and its market of 450 million people. — Danica Kirka, Fortune, 22 June 2026

Over the past 50 years, summits have led to promotion of free trade, cooperation in combating infectious diseases and a concerted, effective counter to authoritarianism around the world. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for free trade

• afraid
• allayed
• arcade
• arrayed
• assayed
• barmaid
• betrayed
• blockade
• bridesmaid
• brigade
• brocade
• buffeted

Kids Definition

free trade

noun

: trade between nations without restrictions (as high taxes on imports)