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
Recent Examples on the Web
Here, Colorado has said that states have long had the power to regulate healthcare, that that's different from infringing on free speech, and that healthcare provision comes with standards based on evidence.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 31 Dec. 2025
The California Teachers Association remained opposed, warning the law could chill free speech and threaten academic freedom.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025
As the Labour government continues to face growing criticism over a number of issues, from cracking down on free speech to its migration policies, many Britons are concerned about their country's future.
—Michael Saunders, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025
In 2020 – amid COVID lockdowns and George Floyd chaos – there were 252 incidents attempting to interfere with free speech recorded by FIRE.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 27 Dec. 2025
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Dana Taylor, USA Today, 31 Dec. 2025
The California Teachers Association remained opposed, warning the law could chill free speech and threaten academic freedom.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025
As the Labour government continues to face growing criticism over a number of issues, from cracking down on free speech to its migration policies, many Britons are concerned about their country's future.
—Michael Saunders, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025
In 2020 – amid COVID lockdowns and George Floyd chaos – there were 252 incidents attempting to interfere with free speech recorded by FIRE.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 27 Dec. 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 10 Jan. 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
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