academic freedom

noun

: freedom to teach or to learn without interference (as by government officials)

Examples of academic freedom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Free speech and academic freedom are winning — at least for now. Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025 The school has been the courageous standard bearer of academic freedom in the assault on higher education. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 5 Sep. 2025 Threats to academic freedom and hostility towards immigrants seemed eerily reminiscent of past authoritarian regimes. Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025 Critics say that could chill academic freedom. Andy Rose, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for academic freedom

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of academic freedom was in 1863

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Cite this Entry

“Academic freedom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/academic%20freedom. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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