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
The free speech argument stinks.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Attendees voiced opposition to Trump's immigration detentions, his effort to redraw Indiana's congressional boundaries to favor Republicans and what protesters view as attacks on free speech.
—Tony Cook, IndyStar, 18 Oct. 2025
The protests are meant as a celebration of free speech, the right to assemble and the First Amendment broadly, according to organizers.
—Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
The risks extend beyond free speech.
—Jason M. Blazakis, Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free speech
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.
Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Attendees voiced opposition to Trump's immigration detentions, his effort to redraw Indiana's congressional boundaries to favor Republicans and what protesters view as attacks on free speech.
—Tony Cook, IndyStar, 18 Oct. 2025
The protests are meant as a celebration of free speech, the right to assemble and the First Amendment broadly, according to organizers.
—Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
The risks extend beyond free speech.
—Jason M. Blazakis, Mercury News, 18 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 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
National Law JournalLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share