free

free

adjective

Definition of FREE

1

not being under the rule or control of another <the 20th century saw many African countries become free after many years of European rule>

Synonyms autonomous, freestanding, independent, self-governed, self-governing, self-ruling, separate, sovereign (also sovran)

Related Words freeborn; delivered, emancipated, freed, liberated, manumitted, redeemed, released; unconquered, unruled, unsupervised; empowered, enfranchised; democratic, republican

Near Antonyms bound, captive, conquered, enslaved, fettered, subdued, subjugated; inferior, subordinate, subservient

Antonyms dependent, nonautonomous, non-self-governing, subject, unfree

2

no longer burdened with something unpleasant or painful <after our son arrived home safely, we were grateful to be free from worry>

Synonyms disencumbered, quit, shut (of), unburdened

Related Words delivered, freed, liberated, released; unhampered, unimpeded

Near Antonyms encumbered, handicapped, hindered, hobbled

3

not bound, confined, or detained by force <all of the animals in the game preserve are free to roam all over its vast area>

Synonyms footloose, loose, unbound, unconfined, unrestrained

Related Words escaped; uncaged, unchained, unfettered, unleashed; uncaught; unanchored, unbolted, undone, unfastened, untied; clear, disengaged

Phrases at large, at liberty

Near Antonyms caught; caged, chained, enclosed (also inclosed), immured, imprisoned, leashed, penned; anchored, bolted, fastened, fettered, manacled, shackled, tied; kidnapped (also kidnaped)

Antonyms bound, confined, restrained, unfree

4

not costing or charging anything <although the museum normally charges admission, on Wednesdays it is free to all>

Synonyms complimentary, costless, gratis, gratuitous

Related Words nominal; bestowed, donated, given; pro bono; discretionary, freewill, optional, voluntary; honorary, uncompensated, unpaid

Phrases on the house

Near Antonyms paid; costly, dear, expensive, high

5

allowing passage without obstruction <make sure the pass is free before you attempt the trip through the mountains this winter>

Synonyms clear, cleared, free, unclogged, unclosed, unobstructed, unstopped

Related Words enterable, navigable, passable; emptied, empty, unoccupied, vacant; exposed, revealed; gaping, wide, yawning; unbarred, unbolted, unclasped, unfastened, unlatched, unlocked, unsealed; unbuttoned, unclenched, unfolded, unfurled, unzipped

Near Antonyms impassable (also impassible); constricted, cramped, encumbered, hampered, hindered, impeded, interfered (with), trammeled (or trammelled); barricaded, blockaded, dammed, gated

Antonyms blocked, clogged, closed, jammed, obstructed, plugged, shut, stopped, stuffed, uncleared

6

giving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation <the lottery winner was very free with his money>

Synonyms bighearted, bounteous, bountiful, charitable, free, freehanded, freehearted, fulsome, liberal, munificent, open, openhanded, unselfish, unsparing, unstinting

Related Words extravagant, handsome, lavish, overgenerous, profuse; altruistic, beneficent, benevolent, hospitable, humanitarian, philanthropic (also philanthropical); big, greathearted, largehearted, magnanimous, openhearted; compassionate, good-hearted, kind, kindly, samaritan, sympathetic

Near Antonyms mean, petty, small; frugal, spare, sparing, thrifty; chary, stinting; acquisitive, avaricious, avid, coveting, covetous, desirous, grasping, hoggish, itchy, mercenary, rapacious; begrudging, envious, grudging, resentful

Antonyms cheap, close, closefisted, costive, illiberal [archaic], mingy, miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, selfish, stingy, stinting, tight, tightfisted, uncharitable, ungenerous

7

not being in a state of use, activity, or employment <this computer terminal is free if you need to use it>

Synonyms dead, dormant, fallow, free, idle, inert, inoperative, latent, off, unused, vacant

Related Words abeyant, arrested, interrupted, suspended; unoccupied; asleep, comatose, lifeless, moribund, quiescent, sleepy; inoperable, unusable, unworkable, useless; dull, slow

Near Antonyms functional, operable, operational, workable; assiduous, industrious, sedulous; energetic, vigorous; feasible, practical, usable (also useable), useful, viable

Antonyms active, alive, busy, employed, functioning, going, living, on, operating, operative, running, working

8

showing a lack of proper social reserve or modesty <she's a little too free with information about her social life>

Synonyms bold, familiar, forward, free, immodest, overfamiliar, presuming

Related Words arrogant, bumptious, complacent, conceited, egoistic (also egoistical), egomaniacal, egotistic (or egotistical), highfalutin (also hifalutin), high-and-mighty, high-hat, hoity-toity, important, overweening, pompous, prideful, proud, self-asserting, self-assertive, self-complacent, self-conceited, self-important, self-satisfied, smug, uppity, vain, vainglorious; cavalier, disdainful, haughty, lordly, pretentious, snobbish, stuck-up, supercilious, superior; audacious, bold-faced, brash, brassbound, brassy, brazen, cheeky, cocky, fresh, impertinent, impudent, insolent, overbold, pert, sassy, saucy; confident, self-assured, self-confident, sure; boastful, braggart, bragging; domineering, high-handed, imperious; self-absorbed, self-centered, self-concerned, self-engrossed, self-infatuated, self-interested, self-involved, selfish, self-obsessed, self-seeking

Near Antonyms demure, down-to-earth, humble, lowly, meek, unassertive, unpretentious; bashful, mousy (or mousey), retiring, shy, timid, timorous; diffident, self-doubting

Antonyms modest, unassuming

9

not physically attached to another unit <an arrangement of free columns adds interest to the Greco-Roman sculpture garden>

Synonyms detached, disconnected, discrete, free, freestanding, single, unattached, unconnected

Related Words independent, self-contained; individual, private

Near Antonyms adjoining

Antonyms attached, connected, joined, linked