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 freed
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 gratis
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Try This Instead
Try This InsteadFor
Try This
a free press
free access
free speech
a free choice
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of free
Arthur Coelho Bezerra, The Conversation, 14 May 2025
Sandisk includes a free download of Acronis True Image backup and migration software with the purchase of the SN8100.
—PC Magazine, 14 May 2025
Philip Elliott, Time, 14 May 2025
That is because of another U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission in 2010, freeing up campaign spending by outside groups.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Adjective
The more than 2 million people who attended Lady Gaga’s free concert on Copacabana Beach on May 3, 2025, had no idea of a plot that, if successful, would have turned the event into a tragedy fueled by hate.
—Arthur Coelho Bezerra, The Conversation, 14 May 2025
Sandisk includes a free download of Acronis True Image backup and migration software with the purchase of the SN8100.
—PC Magazine, 14 May 2025
Verb
And Israel is threatening to flatten and occupy Gaza if all of the other hostages aren’t freed by the time Trump returns to Washington from his current trip.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 14 May 2025
That is because of another U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission in 2010, freeing up campaign spending by outside groups.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
-
The independent lab also tested another 66 samples of nine ancient grains: amaranth, barley, buckwheat, bulgur, couscous, farro, millet, quinoa and spelt. Results showed rice purchased by shoppers contained 28 times more arsenic than the alternative grains.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
15 May 2025
-
The blockade has pushed half a million people in Gaza to starvation, according to the latest review by independent experts on famine.—
Aya Batrawy,
NPR,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 May 2025
-
The Aggies battled back in the bottom of the sixth, closing the gap to just one run, but couldn’t overcome the loose, motivated Flames squad.—
Lauren Merola,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Adjective
-
The sets are more generous in size so sleeping in these might be akin to swimming in a pool of soft decadence.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
16 May 2025
-
At work, that can be an effective way to share success stories and build a reputation as someone who is not only funny, but generous in sharing what worked.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Signs that frozen chicken has gone bad include freezer burn, an off smell or texture, and discoloration.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
10 May 2025
-
Winston will be an example of an off the field leader Dart can learn from, which is likely the reason for Winston earning a two-year contract compared to Wilson’s one-year deal.—
Tyler Small,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Some of this uncertainty is coming from familiar sources, and some from new developments.—
Amanda Tickel,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
-
With three birdies also added on the card, Scheffler walked into the clubhouse with a familiar position on the leaderboard at a major.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
The Dragons loaded the bases with two outs for Dean who lined a single to right to drive home two to give Carroll a 3-0 lead.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 May 2025
-
Eurostar already allows passengers to book a single ticket from London to several Swiss cities, including Geneva, Zurich, and Lausanne.—
Everett Potter,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Verb
-
Spring was released on personal recognizance after a Worcester judge entered not guilty pleas on her behalf during an arraignment on Friday.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2025
-
Users pay a monthly fee, from $199 to $359 a year, and receive free hardware updates when new models are released.—
Will McCurdy,
PC Magazine,
10 May 2025
Verb
-
Perry’s Steakhouse: The restaurant chain, which will open early (11 a.m.) on May 11, has a Mother's Day meal ($49) that includes a 10oz.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
-
If the count tallies, the ballots are then opened and counted.—
Katie Primm,
NBC news,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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