freedom of religion

noun phrase

: the right to choose what religion to follow and to worship without interference

Examples of freedom of religion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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While the full test was not shared, some questions seen by The Hill ask incoming teachers basic civics questions, such as the first three words of the Constitution and why freedom of religion is important in America. Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 19 Aug. 2025 The Czech Republic's Robert Řehák, special envoy for holocaust, interfaith dialogue, and freedom of religion, has been an outspoken and resolute advocate for individuals imprisoned on account of their faith. Miles P. J. Windsor, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025 Historians dispute these claims, pointing to the First Amendment’s protections for freedom of religion as evidence that the Founding Fathers sought to separate church from government. Bayliss Wagner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 For that reason, Lucero was entitled to his First Amendment rights at work, which include both freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Alexandra Hardle, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for freedom of religion

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Cite this Entry

“Freedom of religion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freedom%20of%20religion. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Legal Definition

freedom of religion

freedom of re·​li·​gion
: the right especially as guaranteed under the free exercise clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to practice one's religion or exercise one's beliefs without intervention by the government and to be free of the exercise of authority by a church through the government see also free exercise clause

Note: The freedom of religion as guaranteed by the First Amendment can be overcome by a showing by the government of a compelling state interest. On this basis, practices used in some religions, such as bigamy, are prohibited despite the First Amendment guarantee.

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