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
Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial remarks about Kirk’s killing prompted ABC to temporarily suspend his late-night TV show, which has prompted widespread concerns around free speech.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
This led to calls to boycott the network’s parent company Disney from many liberal viewers, who interpreted it as an attack on free speech.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Justices questioned whether the law infringes on free speech, privacy, and could lead to threats of violence.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Does the constitutional right to free speech protect offensive, even hateful speech?
—Scott Simon, NPR, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free speech
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Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
This led to calls to boycott the network’s parent company Disney from many liberal viewers, who interpreted it as an attack on free speech.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Justices questioned whether the law infringes on free speech, privacy, and could lead to threats of violence.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Does the constitutional right to free speech protect offensive, even hateful speech?
—Scott Simon, NPR, 27 Sep. 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 29 Sep. 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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