free association
noun
1
a
: the expression (as by speaking or writing) of the content of consciousness without censorship as an aid in gaining access to unconscious processes especially in psychoanalysis
b
: the reporting of the first thought that comes to mind in response to a given stimulus (such as a word)
2
: an idea or image elicited by free association
3
: a method using free association
Examples of free association in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
His unconventional forms and spaces are always fodder for free association and double meanings.
—
Ted Loos, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2023
While independence was excluded as an option in the 2020 status plebiscite (and pro-independence voters boycotted the 2017 vote), 2021 polling put support for independence or free association—the sovereign status of islands like Micronesia and Palau—north of 20 percent.
—Alberto C. Medina, The New Republic, 24 July 2023
Literature stands as the emblem of reason, as the superego defending against the subversive power of the nightmarish free associations that gave us conspiracies like Pizzagate—perhaps the most extraordinary public instance of the logic of dreams in modern history.
—Michael W. Clune, Harper's Magazine, 4 Mar. 2022
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the court, ruled that this violated the First Amendment’s right to free association.
—Matt Ford, The New Republic, 8 May 2023
The administration had asked the Mexican government on March 6 to review whether workers at the plant, operated by Unique Fabricating, in Santiago de Queretaro in central Mexico, were being denied rights of free association and collective bargaining.
—Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, 25 Apr. 2023
Thinking about these puzzles reminded me of how meaning can be communicated succinctly, and I was inspired by their playfulness and use of free association.
—Wyna Liu, New York Times, 26 June 2023
His approach underscores the importance of free association and creativity, even in the midst of hectic days.
—Elizabeth Lund, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Apr. 2023
The First Amendment guarantees free association.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 23 Apr. 2021
See More
Ted Loos, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2023
While independence was excluded as an option in the 2020 status plebiscite (and pro-independence voters boycotted the 2017 vote), 2021 polling put support for independence or free association—the sovereign status of islands like Micronesia and Palau—north of 20 percent.
—Alberto C. Medina, The New Republic, 24 July 2023
Literature stands as the emblem of reason, as the superego defending against the subversive power of the nightmarish free associations that gave us conspiracies like Pizzagate—perhaps the most extraordinary public instance of the logic of dreams in modern history.
—Michael W. Clune, Harper's Magazine, 4 Mar. 2022
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the court, ruled that this violated the First Amendment’s right to free association.
—Matt Ford, The New Republic, 8 May 2023
The administration had asked the Mexican government on March 6 to review whether workers at the plant, operated by Unique Fabricating, in Santiago de Queretaro in central Mexico, were being denied rights of free association and collective bargaining.
—Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, 25 Apr. 2023
Thinking about these puzzles reminded me of how meaning can be communicated succinctly, and I was inspired by their playfulness and use of free association.
—Wyna Liu, New York Times, 26 June 2023
His approach underscores the importance of free association and creativity, even in the midst of hectic days.
—Elizabeth Lund, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Apr. 2023
The First Amendment guarantees free association.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 23 Apr. 2021
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'free association.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1925, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Dictionary Entries Near free association
Cite this Entry
“Free association.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20association. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.
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Medical Definition
free association
noun1
a
: the expression (as by speaking or writing) of the content of consciousness without censorship as an aid in gaining access to unconscious processes especially in psychoanalysis
b
: the reporting of the first thought that comes to mind in response to a given stimulus (as a word)
2
: an idea or image elicited by free association
3
: a method using free association
More from Merriam-Webster on free association
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about free association
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