free speech
noun
: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
also
: the right to such speech
… speakers were allowed to exercise their constitutional right of free speech … —
Harold Ickes
Harold Ickes Examples of free speech in a Sentence
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That has worried digital rights and free speech activists, who say that India is increasingly using its powers to silence online voices opposing the government, including ordering social media takedowns and blocking access to some accounts.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 20 June 2026
Terr said there would be greater free speech concerns if the MLB sought to restrict players’ religious expression outside of work.
—Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 19 June 2026
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education last week approved its newest free speech policy for students that defines categories of speech and disruptive demonstrations.
—Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
Despite mounting criticism, Ye is still scheduled to perform two concerts on June 26 and June 28, with the Tampa Sports Authority arguing that the shows should be held due to free speech.
—Sophia Mandt, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2026
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Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 20 June 2026
Terr said there would be greater free speech concerns if the MLB sought to restrict players’ religious expression outside of work.
—Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 19 June 2026
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education last week approved its newest free speech policy for students that defines categories of speech and disruptive demonstrations.
—Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
Despite mounting criticism, Ye is still scheduled to perform two concerts on June 26 and June 28, with the Tampa Sports Authority arguing that the shows should be held due to free speech.
—Sophia Mandt, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2026
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 23 Jun. 2026.
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
National Law JournalLove words? Need even more definitions?
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