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
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Recent Examples of free
Adjective
Greening-tolerant trees do need good care with frequent feedings, minor nutrient sprays and insect control to remain as disease-free as possible.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 Sep. 2026 Fragrance-free and gentle enough for sensitive skin, Green Stix turn a shaving mishap into a non-event.—ABC News,
19 Sep. 2026
Verb
Masha Rolski was 14 when World War II reached Lithuania, and 18 when British troops freed her from the Nazis’ Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany.—
Daniella Greenbaum Davis,
Washington Post,
16 Sep. 2026 Oliver played a massive snap share and did a lot of little things to help free up his teammates, while continuing to be a nuisance in one-on-ones.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for free
The native people of this region were not wiped out by smallpox and instead established an independent kingdom that blends a traditional monarchy with Catholicism, thanks to the efforts of some earlier missionaries.
—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Sep. 2026
New this year is Queer Family, dedicated to kids and their families, with a focus on culturally enriching independent films that explore themes of inclusion and identity.
After the wound areas are a brown color, dip the cut ends in rooting powder and stick them a few inches deep into containers of moist, loose potting soil.
—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 Sep. 2026
Snell isn’t the sturdiest of starters, having missed most of the season because of shoulder fatigue and loose bodies in his left elbow.
—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Sep. 2026
But this year, rumors suggest the company is doing away with this upgrade option amid the RAM crunch, or at least adding some fine print that would make customers pay for part of the usually gratis level-up.
Not all pads are alike, but a footprint on the larger side involves five to ten acres of cleared, packed ground that serves as the hub for drilling equipment, which can include wellheads, pump jacks, tanks, wastewater storage pits, trailers, and flare stacks.
Our expert take The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card's generous rewards and benefits can help business owners save money on hotel expenses.
—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
16 Sep. 2026
Texas has emerged in recent years as one of the most aggressive states in the country in competing for corporate headquarters by offering generous economic development incentives.
The New York Knicks star is launching a new firm with members of his family that will manage his off-court business while also representing other clients from the world of sports and business.
—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Sep. 2026
Weiss’ overhaul of the show interrupted a critical off-season period when correspondents typically try to file and finish a segment for the fall.
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