freedom of speech

noun phrase

: the legal right to express one's opinions freely

Examples of freedom of speech in a Sentence

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.
According to Taylor, the judge presiding over Anthony’s case must walk a fine line between protecting the demonstrators’ freedom of speech and the defendant’s right to a fair trial. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026 Nor does freedom of speech seem an unambiguous value as a tidal wave of toxic disinformation washes over the republic in its 250th year. Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026 Constitutional First Amendment matters of freedom of speech. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Perez thinks that Girls Like Girls is especially important in a climate of attacks on trans rights and freedom of speech in America. Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for freedom of speech

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Freedom of speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freedom%20of%20speech. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

Legal Definition

freedom of speech

: the right to express information, ideas, and opinions free of government restrictions based on content and subject only to reasonable limitations (as the power of the government to avoid a clear and present danger) especially as guaranteed by the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution see also free speech compare censorship, prior restraint
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster