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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 release
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 liberate
to set free from entanglement or difficulty
this plan should free us from debt
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of free
Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
All proceeds from registration fees and donations help free trafficked women.
—Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2025
Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 5 Sep. 2025
That system collapsed in the 1960s, freeing actors to choose their own projects and collaborators but leaving them sartorially adrift.
—Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Adjective
Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
—Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
All proceeds from registration fees and donations help free trafficked women.
—Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
While Good Samaritans were able to rescue five of the nine passengers from the wreckage, Angie was still inside, struggling to free herself.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 5 Sep. 2025
That system collapsed in the 1960s, freeing actors to choose their own projects and collaborators but leaving them sartorially adrift.
—Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
-
To have a chance at winning in November, a Democratic candidate will need to draw independent voters and sway on the fence Republicans, in addition rallying Democrats, Rottinghaus said.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Though most sightings can be identified as planes, balloons, drones and weather events, the independent group says more sophisticated scientific research is needed, along with efforts to remove the stigma of reporting UFOs (sorry, UAP).—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Those phrases, used among student protestors to voice support for a liberated Palestinian people, were viewed by some in the Jewish community as manifestations of hate.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Similar themes crop up in the opera: Four female astronauts board a spaceship in hope of preserving the human race on a new planet, only for their mission to be privatized halfway through the journey by a venture capitalist, their liberated lives suddenly jeopardized.—
Hugh Morris,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
After struggling in the first half, running back Jerrod Wiley got loose on an untouched 69-yard touchdown run on the first play of the next drive to put Heritage back up two scores at 30-21.—
Jordan Neal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process Vacuuming Upholstered chairs should be vacuumed weekly to remove loose dust, dirt, and hair.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Or, head over to Dutchman’s Seafood, aka The Dutchie, for generous filets of local sole and Skuna Bay salmon with views of Morro Rock.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Curved walls, brass accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows frame a generous living space—complete with a dining table that arcs like a ship’s keel and a cocktail-ready bar that glows at night.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Mired in a terrible second-half slump, the center fielder went 2-for-3 with two sacrifice flies after not starting Tuesday and Wednesday and an off day Thursday.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Sep. 2025
-
The Jayhawks will attempt to learn from their mistakes during an upcoming off week.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In this way, its role as a familiar calendar entity argues profoundly for itself, unsinkable and ever-long.—
Jordan Michelman,
The Atlantic,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Now, the Dragons (1-0) will face a familiar foe in Hebron.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Those numbers are rough estimates, because they are based on a single observation.—
Nola Taylor Tillman,
Space.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
At a 12% marginal tax rate, for example, the $6,000 deduction for a single taxpayer who is 65 or older would result in $720 in tax savings.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
On Tuesday, 85 scientists released a 459-page rebuttal to the DOE report, highlighting a large body of scientific literature pointing to how climate change can exacerbate droughts, floods, crop failures, and other disasters.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Sep. 2025
-
The panel studying those cases released a report last year describing how the state child welfare agency missed warning signs and failed to protect dozens of children from dying of the illicit drug.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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