free thought

noun

: unorthodox attitudes or beliefs

specifically : 18th century deism

Examples of free thought in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The whole region, Mencken argued, was a Baptist-Methodist stranglehold where fun and free thought were banished. — John Hayes, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026

Falwell championed a vision of America rooted in obedience to biblical authority and conformity with traditional values, placing him in tension with Enlightenment principles like individual rights, rational inquiry, and free thought. — Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026

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

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