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 memo encouraged the universities to adopt the White House's vision for America's higher education, including commitments regarding free speech, women's sports, tuition affordability and more.
—Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
The lawsuit argues O’Brien was terminated for exercising her free speech rights.
—Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2025
But my decades of studying free speech law have convinced me that suppressing political rhetoric, even through social norms rather than law, undermines the discussion, debate and constructive disagreement essential for a healthy democracy.
—Gregory P. Magarian, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
What is the state of free speech in America?
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
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Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
The lawsuit argues O’Brien was terminated for exercising her free speech rights.
—Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2025
But my decades of studying free speech law have convinced me that suppressing political rhetoric, even through social norms rather than law, undermines the discussion, debate and constructive disagreement essential for a healthy democracy.
—Gregory P. Magarian, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
What is the state of free speech in America?
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 9 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 20 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
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