free 1 of 2

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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

2 of 2

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
Target Circle Week has seven days of deals for members of its free loyalty program. Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025 Talk to your doctor to determine if a gluten-free diet is right for you. Carley Millhone, Health, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
The system also frees up some interior space that can be devoted to the owners and guests. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025 Here, Rodon impressively dispenses with both Truffert and Tyler Adams to free himself for the incoming corner. Beren Cross, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
  • Senator Angus King, who is independent but caucuses with the Democrats, also voted for the Republican bill on Tuesday.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The request Monday is to continue paying the salary for the coalition's two employees, as well as to allow the coalition to separate from Experience Fayetteville and become more independent.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 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
  • Shake off any loose debris, then rinse it with water.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • It’s made with a super-durable construction designed to withstand wear from at-home projects, while the loose fit allows for comfortable movement.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • If the script is a tad heavy-handed in making Clara seem almost indifferent to her mother’s suffering, Touzani is too generous a director not to allow the character some redeeming displays of conscience before the domestic drama plays out.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Downstairs, both bedrooms open onto a winter garden, with the primary suite featuring a polished en suite bath and generous storage.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The first signs that 2025 wouldn’t live up to Ferrari’s off-season hopes emerged in testing, when McLaren teased its advantage.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Perhaps not, and that was attributable to some of his off-field pursuits, as sports journalist Devin Gordon explains in one episode.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Spooky season is officially in full swing and Nashville's nightlife scene is getting a haunted makeover with Halloween pop-up bars transforming familiar haunts into eerie, immersive experiences.
    Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 2 Oct. 2025
  • For those who aren’t familiar, RedZone is the NFL broadcast that whisks viewers around the league to the best moments of every game on Sundays.
    Charlotte Wilder, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Rafaela went 0-for-2 against Fried on the night, while Sogard had a single back in the third.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • At launch, Instant Checkout will support single-item Etsy purchases for ChatGPT Free, Plus, and Pro users.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • According to figures from a housing assessment released this April, the median house value in Fayetteville has grown 275% in the last two decades, and the median gross rent has increased 78%.
    Juan Cordoba, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2025
  • In the lead-up to the tournament, Argentina had played a series of friendlies without him, since Valencia refused to release him.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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