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You know what it looks like… but what is it called?
TAKE THE QUIZfree enterprise
noun
: freedom of private business to organize and operate for profit in a competitive system without interference by government beyond regulation necessary to protect public interest and keep the national economy in balance
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
In 2023, universities will begin to establish entire research units dedicated to finding ways to protect scientific knowledge from the interests of government, religion, and free enterprise.
—
Jennifer Jacquet, WIRED, 18 Dec. 2022
In many instances, shareholder value and advocating for American free enterprise and national security are out.
—Russ Greene, National Review, 15 Dec. 2022
However, the anti-ESG charge is largely being led by conservative and pro-free enterprise groups.
—Fox News, 1 Feb. 2023
The lower price is a product of the free enterprise system.
—John Kelly, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2022
For our democracy, for our system of free enterprise that has pulled so many of our brothers and sisters around the world out of poverty, for our commitment to religious freedom.
—Arthur C. Brooks, The Atlantic, 16 Nov. 2022
With free enterprise, human capital flowed into China and drove innovation and productivity.
—Mickey D. Levy, WSJ, 26 Oct. 2022
Supporters of free enterprise including Premier Li Keqiang, the party's No. 2 until last week, were dropped from the leadership.
—Joe Mcdonald, ajc, 24 Oct. 2022
The constitution also guarantees free enterprise, foreign investment, and press freedom.
—David Unsworth, Fox News, 9 Dec. 2022
See More
Jennifer Jacquet, WIRED, 18 Dec. 2022
In many instances, shareholder value and advocating for American free enterprise and national security are out.
—Russ Greene, National Review, 15 Dec. 2022
However, the anti-ESG charge is largely being led by conservative and pro-free enterprise groups.
—Fox News, 1 Feb. 2023
The lower price is a product of the free enterprise system.
—John Kelly, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2022
For our democracy, for our system of free enterprise that has pulled so many of our brothers and sisters around the world out of poverty, for our commitment to religious freedom.
—Arthur C. Brooks, The Atlantic, 16 Nov. 2022
With free enterprise, human capital flowed into China and drove innovation and productivity.
—Mickey D. Levy, WSJ, 26 Oct. 2022
Supporters of free enterprise including Premier Li Keqiang, the party's No. 2 until last week, were dropped from the leadership.
—Joe Mcdonald, ajc, 24 Oct. 2022
The constitution also guarantees free enterprise, foreign investment, and press freedom.
—David Unsworth, Fox News, 9 Dec. 2022
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'free enterprise.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1890, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near free enterprise
Cite this Entry
“Free enterprise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20enterprise. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.
Kids Definition
free enterprise
noun
: freedom of private business to operate with little regulation by the government
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