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
Consistent with his belief that free markets and free people, not governments, are the path to prosperity, Milei has slashed government departments and slashed government regulations (including rent controls).
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
With chapters on thousands of high school and college campuses, the group promotes conservative ideals like free markets, limited government, and individual liberty.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Argentina’s President Javier Milei’s party won a key midterm legislative election, paving the way for free market reforms that have been a cornerstone of his leadership.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Earlier in 2024, Saine and other Republican lawmakers faced questions about a distillery tour funded by free market group Greater Carolina, which was the subject of a progressive group’s ethics complaint filed with the Secretary of State.
—Andrew Dys, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free market
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The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
With chapters on thousands of high school and college campuses, the group promotes conservative ideals like free markets, limited government, and individual liberty.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Argentina’s President Javier Milei’s party won a key midterm legislative election, paving the way for free market reforms that have been a cornerstone of his leadership.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Earlier in 2024, Saine and other Republican lawmakers faced questions about a distillery tour funded by free market group Greater Carolina, which was the subject of a progressive group’s ethics complaint filed with the Secretary of State.
—Andrew Dys, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025
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 Nov. 2025.
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