free association
noun
1
a
: the expression (as by speaking or writing) of the content of consciousness without censorship as an aid in gaining access to unconscious processes especially in psychoanalysis
b
: the reporting of the first thought that comes to mind in response to a given stimulus (such as a word)
2
: an idea or image elicited by free association
3
: a method using free association
Examples of free association in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Alex customizes the work for each client based on a combination of brand briefings, his own research, and free associations with the subject.
—
Michelle Greenwald, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Puerto Rico has been stuck in limbo as a United States territory since 1898, with its citizens being split between statehood, independence and free association.
—Angel Diaz, Billboard, 12 Feb. 2025
While there has even been some talk of a military invasion, there are other ways America could gain control of the Arctic territory, such as free association, which is the ability to maintain self-government along with a voluntary and mutual partnership with a sovereign state.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
The complaint argues the administration is in violation of violating the First Amendment through retaliation, viewpoint discrimination, free association and other claims.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free association
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Michelle Greenwald, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Puerto Rico has been stuck in limbo as a United States territory since 1898, with its citizens being split between statehood, independence and free association.
—Angel Diaz, Billboard, 12 Feb. 2025
While there has even been some talk of a military invasion, there are other ways America could gain control of the Arctic territory, such as free association, which is the ability to maintain self-government along with a voluntary and mutual partnership with a sovereign state.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
The complaint argues the administration is in violation of violating the First Amendment through retaliation, viewpoint discrimination, free association and other claims.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free association
Cite this Entry
“Free association.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20association. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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