free rein

noun

: unrestricted liberty of action or decision

Examples of free rein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Unlike a decorator, who must design a space with a client’s specific tastes in mind, Saft has free rein to execute his vision—no suggestions, no notes. Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025 In exchange, they were allowed free rein over the enclave’s economy, formal and informal. Bobby Ghosh, Time, 16 Oct. 2025 President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has been given free rein to make decisions up to this point and Middleton explained his relationship with the team executives in a response to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025 Losing Fed independence is like giving free rein to emotional, irrational decision making. Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for free rein

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free rein was in 1635

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Cite this Entry

“Free rein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20rein. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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