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Definition of freenext
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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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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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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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free

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verb

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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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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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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective free contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of free are autonomous, independent, and sovereign. While all these words mean "not subject to the rule or control of another," free stresses the complete absence of external rule and the full right to make all of one's own decisions.

you're free to do as you like

When is it sensible to use autonomous instead of free?

While the synonyms autonomous and free are close in meaning, autonomous stresses independence in matters pertaining to self-government.

in this denomination each congregation is regarded as autonomous

When would independent be a good substitute for free?

In some situations, the words independent and free are roughly equivalent. However, independent implies a standing alone; applied to a state it implies lack of connection with any other having power to interfere with its citizens, laws, or policies.

the colony's struggle to become independent

When is sovereign a more appropriate choice than free?

The words sovereign and free are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sovereign stresses the absence of a superior power and implies supremacy within a thing's own domain or sphere.

separate and sovereign armed services

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of free
Adjective
Provide free period care products. Rachel Braun Scherl, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 If the ratings are to be believed, more than 18,900 Amazon shoppers swear by the Teva Tirra Sport Sandals for pain-free walking on vacation, light hikes, and every excursion in between. Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
Verb
Lawyers for the family filed for an emergency injunction with Judge Fred Biery of the Western District of Texas, who had freed them. Alan Gionet, CBS News, 28 May 2026 Higher-Level Human Work The real value of AI starts with efficiency by handling repetitive tasks, freeing workers to focus on more strategic, creative and judgment-driven activities, such as higher-quality decision-making and revenue generation. Ameya Kanitkar, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
  • Cepeda has advocated for a more independent foreign policy and greater Latin American integration, while right-wing candidates Abelardo de la Espriella and Paloma Valencia have argued for closer alignment with Washington on security and economic issues.
    Sebastian Jimenez, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
  • Local businesses, such as independent coffee shops, small law or accounting firms, boutique fitness studios, and neighborhood landscaping companies, often have job openings.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Hungary’s new minister of culture, Zoltán Tarr, shares his vision for fostering freedom of expression in a liberated local art scene.
    Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 14 May 2026
  • Freyre said he's been dreaming of a liberated Cuba since almost immediately after Castro took over.
    CBS News, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Snell underwent surgery 10 days ago to remove loose bodies from his left elbow.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
  • The loose sand was taxing and forced us off our bikes several times, slowing our momentum.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • 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.
    Alex Heard, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026
  • What counts as a cleared sidewalk?
    Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 1 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Show your generous leadership by offering a clear plan with two workable options, then invite feedback and keep the energy light so people join you willingly.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 30 May 2026
  • Nearby, a sleek white kitchen offers generous counter space and a central island fitted with an oversized sink and not one but two faucets.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Dodgers are in the midst of a 10-day stretch without an off day, playing into the decision to sit Ohtani Thursday.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
  • In managing Ohtani’s pitching workload in his first full season on the mound since 2023, the Dodgers have used off days on the schedule to give Ohtani a recovery day following a pitching start by backing those starts up against off days three times in his first nine starts (including last week).
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • In mid-January, as Iran crushed wide-scale protests with the mass killing of demonstrators, Israel prepared a covert mission along the Azerbaijan-Iran border, two of the sources familiar with the plans told CNN.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 5 June 2026
  • Broadcom is backstopping payments on the largest portions of the transaction, people familiar with the matter have said.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Lightning have not won a single playoff round since Bednar’s Colorado team defeated them in the 2022 Cup Final, but there has been far less chatter about Cooper’s job security.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • Adoptive parents can be single, married, or partnered; experienced or not; renters or homeowners; LGBTQ+ singles and couples.
    MARE Staff, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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