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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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of free
Julia Ioffe, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
In Colorado, Christian proprietors have been repeatedly targeted for exercising their free exercise of religion.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2025
Officials say the technology keeps getting more advanced and easier to use, which helps free up other resources.
—Kennedy Hayes, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Adjective
In 1918, Soviet women were given the right to higher education, equal pay, no-fault civil divorce, child support (including for children born out of wedlock), paid maternity leave, and access to free maternity hospitals.
—Julia Ioffe, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
In Colorado, Christian proprietors have been repeatedly targeted for exercising their free exercise of religion.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
Witnesses who’d seen the crash helped the officers push the car up enough to free the infant.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2025
Officials say the technology keeps getting more advanced and easier to use, which helps free up other resources.
—Kennedy Hayes, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
-
There aren’t many tours available, so an excursion to the castle is most likely going to be an independent adventure.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
22 Oct. 2025
-
However, as China ruthlessly pursues independent innovation, domestic substitution of imports has become a policy priority to ensure tech self-sufficiency in critical industries.—
Ni Tao,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The stars say that Anderson’s ambitious, liberated ideas should carry through to womenswear.—
Maya AlZaben,
Vogue,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Micro minis and short shorts dominated the runways, from Prada to Versace, underscoring a liberated, high-summer spirit.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The loose fit is perfect for layering, too, and packs down surprisingly well.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025
-
That said, shoppers note that the sweater is tight-fitting and recommend sizing up for a looser fit, similar to Paltrow’s knit.—
Melony Forcier,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
With generous scoops and homemade flavors like Chocolate Fluffer Nutter, Black Raspberry, and Almond Bark, this small-batch, family-run shop is a true Syracuse staple.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Oct. 2025
-
The tiny house features generous glazing, including a double glass door entrance which opens next to the combined living/sleeping area.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
On the right side of the room, a steel cut image is projected from the wall with fiberglass rods arranged in an off center trapezoid.—
Mario Rodriguez,
Miami Herald,
23 Oct. 2025
-
And then the third Wednesday is an off week.—
Wendy Grossman Kantor,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The Devils’ broadcast team on MSG Network for Wednesday night included Minnesota native Rachel Herzog and retired goaltender Cory Schneider, who was very familiar to Wild fans a decade or so ago.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Elderly consumers, who might seek gentle relief for aches or the comfort of a familiar ritual, are left stranded.—
Jahan Marcu,
Rolling Stone,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This faux Dunhill Fir is designed to look and feel like a tree plucked straight off the lot, without the single-season lifespan or mess of shedding needles.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
-
However, Daulton Varsho, who has been another clutch Blue Jays hitter throughout the postseason, smacked a single to center to score Springer to knot the game at one apiece.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
An internal investigation by Kenvue Brands LLC, the company that owns Neutrogena, revealed the brand’s Makeup Remover Ultra-Soft Cleansing Towelettes tested positive for a bacteria known as pluralibacter gergoviae, per information released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
-
The White House did not release the size of the donations for all 37 listed.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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