free-swinging

adjective

free-swing·​ing ˈfrē-ˈswiŋ-iŋ How to pronounce free-swinging (audio)
: bold, forthright, and heedless of personal consequences
a free-swinging soldier of fortuneWill Herberg

Examples of free-swinging in a Sentence

free-swinging entrepreneurs who could see that the future lay in biotech and were willing to stake everything on that vision
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With at least two vacancies in the starting rotation, a lack of veteran relievers and a free-swinging lineup that could use some reimagining, the Astros have an abundance of needs this winter. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 Reliever Luke Weaver walked the free-swinging Ceddanne Rafaela, gave up a hustle double to Nick Sogard, then surrendered the go-ahead two-run single to pinch-hitter Masataka Yoshida that ultimately proved to be the deciding blow. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025 Acquired in 2020 as a throw-in piece to the Brusdar Graterol-for-Kenta Maeda trade, Camargo has the arm strength and right-handed power to be a useful big leaguer in spite of his free-swinging approach at the plate. Aaron Gleeman, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 For example, sauna operators in New York are required by law to have an automatic one-hour timer or an attendant who checks the room every 15 minutes, an alarm system, and a free-swinging door to easily view the inside the sauna. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free-swinging was in 1949

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Cite this Entry

“Free-swinging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free-swinging. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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