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
Recent Examples on the Web
Khalil's lawyers say the Trump administration is simply trying to crack down on free speech.
—Arkansas Online, 14 June 2025
While the views of Baltimore protesters lacked the nuance necessary to solve America’s long-simmering debate around legal immigration, their views were protected free speech and they were shouted peacefully.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 12 June 2025
Khalil’s detention has sparked protests across the country from supporters who believe his detention is a flagrant violation of core American values, including the protection of free speech.
—Sabrina Souza, CNN Money, 11 June 2025
The second crisis is arguably one of pushing free speech too far.
—Shadi Bartsch, Twin Cities, 8 June 2025
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Arkansas Online, 14 June 2025
While the views of Baltimore protesters lacked the nuance necessary to solve America’s long-simmering debate around legal immigration, their views were protected free speech and they were shouted peacefully.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 12 June 2025
Khalil’s detention has sparked protests across the country from supporters who believe his detention is a flagrant violation of core American values, including the protection of free speech.
—Sabrina Souza, CNN Money, 11 June 2025
The second crisis is arguably one of pushing free speech too far.
—Shadi Bartsch, Twin Cities, 8 June 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 Jun. 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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