freethinker

noun

free·think·er | \ ˈfrē-ˈthiŋ-kər

Definition of freethinker

: a person who thinks freely or independently : one who forms opinions on the basis of reason independently of authority especially : one who rejects or is skeptical of religious dogma

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Examples of freethinker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Stanton, like some of the suffragists, was a freethinker who did not attend church and saw Christianity as hostile to women’s rights. — The Salt Lake Tribune, "Beyond belief: Religion as a motivating force for 5 women suffragists," 19 Aug. 2020 New intriguing documentary Spaceship Earth follows the ragtag group of freethinkers who became famous for the creation of Biosphere 2, a manmade vivarium in the middle of the desert meant to test whether humans could sustain life on another planet. — Ineye Komonibo, refinery29.com, "The Group Behind Spaceship Earth‘s Biosphere 2 Has Always Been Enterprising," 8 May 2020 Because, as well as being a pioneering logician, Russell was an uncompromising freethinker—and an early advocate of free love. — The Economist, "Home Entertainment Listen to Bertrand Russell, the English Voltaire," 16 Apr. 2020 As a place that still evokes the ghosts of Huxley, Maslow, Campbell and countless other freethinkers, Esalen is often in danger of being imprisoned by its past, said Kripal. — Wallace Baine, SFChronicle.com, "What’s next for the Esalen Institute?," 5 Sep. 2019 His chief contribution is to put on center stage a cast of skeptics and freethinkers whom historians often relegate to the wings. — D.g. Hart, WSJ, "‘Skepticism and American Faith’ Review: Believe It or Not," 22 Aug. 2018 Nineteenth-century freethinkers, such as Susan B. Anthony, were leading advocates of abolitionism and feminism. — Jeet Heer, The New Republic, "Kanye West’s Bastardization of “Free Thinkers”," 3 May 2018 The Dill Pickle Club, North State Street at about East Chestnut Street A century ago, the Dill Pickle Club was the place to be for bohemians, freethinkers and writers, among them Ben Hecht, Carl Sandburg and Theodore Dreiser. — Meredith Heagney, chicagotribune.com, "Literary landmarks: Hunting down old haunts of Chicago writers," 21 May 2018 The writing is poised and tidy as well—too tidy, in fact, for a novel whose allegiances are with rebels and freethinkers. — Sam Sacks, WSJ, "The Best New Fiction," 15 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'freethinker.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.