free speech
noun
: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
also
: the right to such speech
an unconstitutional restraint on free speech —
Nat'l Law Jour.
Nat'l Law Jour. Examples of free speech in a Sentence
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The march was billed as a demonstration in support of free speech -- with much of the rhetoric by influencers and several far-right politicians from across Europe aimed largely at the perils of migration, a problem much of the continent is struggling to control.
—Brian Melley, Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2025
Following his death, an enormous outcry from both political parties mourned Kirk and his free speech legacy.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025
Student communities are reeling after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, raising questions about what his death means for campus politics and free speech.
—Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
The event was billed as focused on free speech, but added plans to mourn the American activist.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
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Brian Melley, Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2025
Following his death, an enormous outcry from both political parties mourned Kirk and his free speech legacy.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025
Student communities are reeling after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, raising questions about what his death means for campus politics and free speech.
—Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
The event was billed as focused on free speech, but added plans to mourn the American activist.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free speech
Cite this Entry
“Free speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20speech. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
free speech
noun1
: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
setting off an alarm bell is not free speech—A. M. Dershowitz
A. M. Dershowitz2
: freedom of speech
an unconstitutional restraint on free speech—National Law Journal
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