free-for-all

noun

ˈfrē-fə-ˌrȯl 

: a competition, dispute, or fight open to all comers and usually with no rules : brawl

also : a chaotic situation resembling a free-for-all especially in lacking rules or structure

the press conference deteriorated into a free-for-all

free-for-all adjective

Synonyms of free-for-all

• brawl

Examples of free-for-all in a Sentence

during the play-offs, fans of the opposing teams clashed in the streets in several free-for-alls

it was a free-for-all when the doors to the arena opened and the crowd rushed in all at once

Recent Examples on the Web

The subsequent free-for-all has allowed Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco to occupy two of the top three slots in the latest Public Policy Institute of California poll alongside Porter, with Swalwell and Steyer close behind. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026

All of it collides Tuesday, when a field of more than a dozen contenders appears on the same ballot in a free-for-all to succeed Greene that is only the first step in what could become a five-election slog to claim the seat. —Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 4 Mar. 2026

In that case, aim for moderation, not a free-for-all. —Angela Haupt, Time, 3 Mar. 2026

If your suitcase currently resembles a laundry free-for-all, consider this your sign to upgrade for the new year. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for free-for-all

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• catarrhal
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol

Kids Definition

free-for-all

noun

ˈfrē-fə-ˌrȯl

: a competition or fight open to all comers usually without rules

free-for-all adjective