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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
as in costless
not costing or charging anything although the museum normally charges admission, on Wednesdays it is free to all

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Obviously, this is a very subjective ranking, so feel free to comment your choices below. Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026 Designed for the whole family with an adjustable front belt for a secure, slip-free fit. ABC News, 6 June 2026 Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. David Chiu, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026 Matt Carter, the president and general manager at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo and Matt Homan, the president of Trail Drive Management Corp., said that their priority is to use revenue to improve the complex, including overhauling its website and adding free WiFi. Mary Ella Hastings, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
  • Panahi’s lawyer Mostafa Nili announced the decision by the court to reject the director’s appeal during a press briefing in Tehran on Sunday, according to independent film journalist Mansour Jahani and other sources.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 7 June 2026
  • Over his career, he was described as a blunt, independent, outspoken politician who was a maverick, boat-rocker, loose cannon, skilled partisan, and, above all, political survivor.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • The freed men first served their sentences at the Ramo Verde military prison, but were transferred to the Lara prison five years ago.
    Gustavo Ocando Alex, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026
  • The ministry identified the freed captives as Russian citizen Oleg Gret and Ukrainian citizen Yuri Yurov.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 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
  • Even the complimentary olives are gigantic, customers say.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2026
  • Everyone who attends will enjoy complimentary birthday cake, including the ceremonial singing and cake candles.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 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
  • Your generous spirit shines when plans feel fair, so speak confidently and listen fully until both of you feel supported.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 June 2026
  • The main residence carries an old-world hacienda rhythm, with open corridors, generous gathering spaces and a central kitchen and dining area made for breezes, long lunches and slow afternoons.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 6 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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