freewheeling

adjective

Save Word

free·wheel·ing | \ ˌfrē-ˈ(h)wē-liŋ

Definition of freewheeling

: free and loose in form or manner: such as

a : heedless of social norms or niceties the raider style of his freewheeling father— Garry Wills

b : not repressed or restrained freewheeling promiscuity a freewheeling competitive spirit

c : not bound by formal rules, procedures, or guidelines a freewheeling investigation

d : loose and undisciplined : not defensive a freewheeling style of hockey

Other Words from freewheeling Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about freewheeling

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms & Antonyms for freewheeling

Synonyms

footloose

Antonyms

tied

Examples of freewheeling in a Sentence

She led a freewheeling life in the city. James Bond has long been the model of the freewheeling hero who encounters danger and excitement in every corner of the globe.

Recent Examples on the Web Perhaps because of the controversy, Trump has maintained an uncharacteristically low profile, avoiding the sort of freewheeling interactions with journalists that have defined his time in office. — Rob Crilly, Washington Examiner, "Trump approval rating plunges 10 points amid protests: Gallup," 10 June 2020 One is the global financial system with its freewheeling capital flows, open dissemination of information and the rule of law. — The Economist, "Hong Kong’s uncertain future Can Hong Kong remain a global financial centre?," 6 June 2020 The Deep Web, as its name suggests, is the freewheeling part of the internet that has seen increased activity from bad actors since the pandemic struck. — Fernando Alfonso Iii, CNN, "The pandemic is causing an exponential rise in the online exploitation of children, experts say," 25 May 2020 His insistence on being the star of the daily briefing came as his greatest asset in the reelection campaign — his ability to dominate headlines with freewheeling performances at his daily briefings — was increasingly being seen as a liability. — Jonathan Lemire, BostonGlobe.com, "After weeks of criticism, Trump shifts focus to economy, tries to regain his footing," 27 Apr. 2020 Ten months ago, the couple, both around 40 years old and parents of two children, left Fairbanks, Alaska, and embarked on a freewheeling life as year-round recreational-vehicle nomads. — James R. Hagerty, WSJ, "Virus Maroons Some Recreational-Vehicle Nomads," 19 Apr. 2020 The freewheeling answer led to widespread mockery and much concern that such advice, coming from so prominent a figure, could cause frightened Americans to ingest bleach as a way to ward off the disease. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, "38% rise in bleach poisoning predates Trump’s suggestion, data shows," 13 May 2020 There are sequences bone-dripped with hard-R freakout imagery — but the vibe is whimsical, full of freewheeling conversation. — Darren Franich, EW.com, "The Midnight Gospel is a heartfelt cosmic masterpiece: Review," 7 May 2020 As the billionaire head of Tesla and a slew of other companies, Musk isn’t a typical NASA contractor, and he is well known for his freewheeling social-media persona, which has, on more than one occasion, gotten him sued. — Marina Koren, The Atlantic, "NASA’s Moonshot Can’t Stop Tweeting About the Coronavirus," 1 May 2020

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