1
as in independent
not being under the rule or control of another
the 20th century saw many African countries become free after many years of European rule
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Relevance
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2
as in liberated
no longer burdened with something unpleasant or painful
after our son arrived home safely, we were grateful to be free from worry
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3
as in loose
not bound, confined, or detained by force
all of the animals in the game preserve are free to roam all over its vast area
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4
as in costless
not costing or charging anything
although the museum normally charges admission, on Wednesdays it is free to all
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5
as in cleared
allowing passage without obstruction
make sure the pass is free before you attempt the trip through the mountains this winter
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6
as in generous
giving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation
the lottery winner was very free with his money
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7
as in off
not being in a state of use, activity, or employment
this computer terminal is free if you need to use it
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8
as in familiar
showing a lack of proper social reserve or modesty
she's a little too free with information about her social life
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9
as in single
not physically attached to another unit
an arrangement of free columns adds interest to the Greco-Roman sculpture garden
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1
as in to liberate
to set free (as from slavery or confinement)
a global crusade to free Nelson Mandela from a South African prison had emerged
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2
as in to open
to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions
we'll free the river by breaking up the ice jam
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3
as in to clear
to rid the surface of (as an area) from things in the way
would you mind freeing up the work area so I can work?
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4
as in to rid
to set (a person or thing) free of something that encumbers
a phone call would free your parents from worry
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5
as in to save
to set free from entanglement or difficulty
this plan should free us from debt
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of free
Chris Willman,
Variety,
27 June 2026
Sign up for From the Editor, our free weekly newsletter from PEOPLE's Editor-in-Chief, Charlotte Triggs.
—
Lexi Lane,
PEOPLE,
27 June 2026
Devorah Lauter,
ARTnews.com,
25 June 2026
The students helped free a man in the town of Caraballeda who was pinned under the beams of a collapsed restaurant.
—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC news,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for free
Adjective
His show is still set to go ahead July 2, with free tickets available here.
—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
27 June 2026
Sign up for From the Editor, our free weekly newsletter from PEOPLE's Editor-in-Chief, Charlotte Triggs.
—
Lexi Lane,
PEOPLE,
27 June 2026
Verb
The Digest In celebration of the World Cup, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Whitney Museum of American Artannounced a citywide partnership that invites New Yorkers and visitors who complete an art-activity guide to free admission to the Whitney through July 31, 2026.
—
Devorah Lauter,
ARTnews.com,
25 June 2026
The students helped free a man in the town of Caraballeda who was pinned under the beams of a collapsed restaurant.
—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC news,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
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Murdaugh’s attorneys filed several pretrial motions last week, including requests for a change of venue, for further independent testing of DNA evidence and for Murdaugh to get access to a computer behind bars.
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Audiences are very motivated to support independent filmmakers, and that’s a good thing for all of us.
Adjective
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In fact, the vast majority of freed people remained in the South.
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Well, the Thirteenth Amendment left the country with 4 million freed slaves, undefined.
Adjective
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This pair is loose through the hips and thighs, with a not-too-wide leg that feels timeless.
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Potential profits have encouraged traffickers to ship massive amounts of illicit drugs to both countries, often across the Pacific Ocean from South America via the Pacific Islands, a loose cluster of thousands of islands and atolls.
Adjective
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The Omni’s rooftop pool bar offers complimentary admission for hotel guests, with a limited number of day passes available during the summer for everyone else.
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The company focuses on customization, made-to-order production, and flexible bridal designs, including convertible dresses that allow brides to transform their look throughout the day, while offering complimentary custom sizing and international shipping.
Adjective
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Not all pads are alike, but a footprint on the larger side involves five to ten acres of cleared, packed ground that serves as the hub for drilling equipment, which can include wellheads, pump jacks, tanks, wastewater storage pits, trailers, and flare stacks.
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What counts as a cleared sidewalk?
Adjective
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Scattered over the top were generous pebbles of queso panela, mild, milky and squeaky like halloumi.
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Getty Images for Shop the Sample Like TJ Maxx and Marshalls, Shop The Sample offers generous discounts on high-end clothing.
Adjective
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For a team that began the season with off days coming at a premium, a brief stretch with two open dates is a respite from the wear and tear of a long season.
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His shot diet is already optimized for the league, his frame holds up in physical matchups and his off-ball activity gives coaches a willing piece to weave into screen and handoff actions.
Adjective
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Unlike scenic destinations that become part of a wedding backdrop, Walshe said Madison Square Garden presents the opposite challenge because designers would first have to erase the venue's familiar arena feel before creating something entirely new.
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From there, Florida's history followed the path more familiar to Americans, eventually becoming the 27th state in 1845.
Cite this Entry
“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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