free market
noun
plural free markets
: an economic system in which prices are based on competition among private businesses and are not controlled or regulated by a government : a market (see market entry 1 sense 4d) operating by free competition
… the free market works best when businesses compete to provide the best services …—
Chris Tomlinson
Chris TomlinsonA free market, technically, requires no government intervention, which is why capitalists usually land on the right of the political spectrum. In America, the government regulates businesses for reasons of social welfare and public safety …, so we don't operate in a truly free market.—Carolyn Twersky
—often hyphenated when used before another nounCarolyn Twerskyfree-market competition
free-market principles
One of the basic premises of the free-market system is that actors are free to buy from or sell to a variety of other actors.—Barry C. Lynn
Barry C. LynnExamples of free market in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Second, the Pac-12’s argument in the poaching penalty case is based on the free market.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Three years later, as the GOP pushed for economic deregulation, the bishops published a letter arguing that free markets alone can’t ensure fairness or human dignity.
—Francis X. Rocca, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2026
Elias Tsapelas, director of state budget and fiscal policy at the Show-Me Institute, a Missouri free market think tank, said eliminating the income tax would help the state compete for residents and business, while also providing lawmakers an opportunity to scrutinize state spending.
—Kevin Hardy, States Newsroom, 24 Mar. 2026
The opposition leader said the Venezuelan people will vote for free markets, rule of law and property rights.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for free market
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Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Three years later, as the GOP pushed for economic deregulation, the bishops published a letter arguing that free markets alone can’t ensure fairness or human dignity.
—Francis X. Rocca, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2026
Elias Tsapelas, director of state budget and fiscal policy at the Show-Me Institute, a Missouri free market think tank, said eliminating the income tax would help the state compete for residents and business, while also providing lawmakers an opportunity to scrutinize state spending.
—Kevin Hardy, States Newsroom, 24 Mar. 2026
The opposition leader said the Venezuelan people will vote for free markets, rule of law and property rights.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for free market
Cite this Entry
“Free market.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20market. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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