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
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Despite the bill’s broad support among the lawmakers, some opponents criticized the bill as too broad, infringing on free speech and potentially leading to the censorship of content like legal pornography.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 20 May 2025
Yet another federal court has shot down GOP lawmakers' attempts to restrict free speech and expression in Florida.
—Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2025
Pritzker’s call for peaceful mass protests, mobilization and disruption are all legitimate ways for Americans to express their feelings on national issues and are, in fact, free speech, not threats to free speech or to fellow Americans, as expressed by Ms. Adcock.
—Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
The Kansas Justice Institute, which filed the suit on behalf of Howard, said the city’s actions violate free speech.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
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Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 20 May 2025
Yet another federal court has shot down GOP lawmakers' attempts to restrict free speech and expression in Florida.
—Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2025
Pritzker’s call for peaceful mass protests, mobilization and disruption are all legitimate ways for Americans to express their feelings on national issues and are, in fact, free speech, not threats to free speech or to fellow Americans, as expressed by Ms. Adcock.
—Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
The Kansas Justice Institute, which filed the suit on behalf of Howard, said the city’s actions violate free speech.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 15 May 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 28 May. 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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