free thought

noun

: unorthodox attitudes or beliefs

specifically : 18th century deism

Examples of free thought in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

China’s decades-long economic boom was slowing, and the government’s choke hold on free thought was sending ambitious people abroad. — Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Responding to those sparks of abolitionist free thought with violent repression, including acts such as the Sumner caning, slaveholders’ violence fueled the rise of the new Republican Party. — Paul Quigley, The Conversation, 13 July 2026

The Founders recognized that free thought is not just a right but a difficult responsibility. — Jeffrey Rosen, The Atlantic, 6 June 2026

Inhibiting the free use of property is inhibiting free thought and communication that property serves. — Robertas Bakula, Oc Register, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for free thought

• allot
• barat
• begot
• besought
• bethought
• bloodshot
• boycott
• buckshot
• crackpot
• croat
• culottes
• dashpot