free 1 of 2

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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

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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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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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For
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a free press
an unrestricted press
an uncensored press
an independent press
an unregulated press
an open press
free access
open access
public access
unlimited access
excellent access
free speech
open speech
uncensored speech
liberated speech
unchecked speech
free space
open space
clear space
eligible space
valid space
unlocked space
a free choice
a personal choice
an unfettered choice
an open choice
a willing choice
an independent choice

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
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025 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. Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
If Wells Fargo does get permission to operate with a smaller capital cushion, that will free up resources for other uses — including, perhaps, returning some of it to shareholders. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 20 June 2025 The Juneteenth holiday marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, found out they had been freed — after the Civil War’s end and two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
  • Read More Stephanie is an arts and culture journalist and independent dress historian based in New York City.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 20 June 2025
  • In the future, Axiom plans to launch its own module to the ISS, which will eventually grow in its components and undock from the orbital lab to become its own independent space station.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • There are questions over whether Iran’s nuclear facilities were damaged to the point of uselessness, how much loose nuclear material may now be floating around Iran, and the speed with which Iran can reconstitute its program.
    The Editors, National Review, 24 June 2025
  • If needed, hang the rug over a fence or railing to shake out loose dirt.
    Karen Grossman, Southern Living, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Cho, as the perceptive and generous Jin, distracted from his own family troubles by the sudden flashes of Casey’s bright light, is wise and rejuvenated; disinterested admiration makes this man, who looks to be in his forties, nearly a teen-ager again.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 20 June 2025
  • Others like Bill Gates, Laurene Powell Jobs, and Guy Fieri aren’t being so generous with their offspring.
    Ani Freedman, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Some takeaways from a successful series win ahead of an off day Thursday: Mayer heating up Mayer hasn’t even been in the majors for a month, but the 22-year-old has already hit three homers and is finding his groove.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 12 June 2025
  • Yet Shildt had a relatively rested back end of his bullpen and an off day coming up.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • No new president, whether a Democrat, a more traditional Republican, or a Trump disciple, will have the option of returning to the familiar approaches of the post–Cold War era.
    REBECCA LISSNER, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • The legal battle between these parties has become a familiar topic in sports law.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Spread on a lined baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm (if time) to prevent clumping.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, the Sox had just one hit — a single by Ryan Noda to begin the game — through five innings against Blue Jays starter José Berríos.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Also on Tuesday morning, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its monthly look at U.S. import and export prices — a report that historically hasn't gotten a ton of attention, but now provides another way to measure the impact of tariffs.
    Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 15 June 2025
  • Just three days later, Apple released a second build of the first beta — that’s unprecedentedly soon.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • The offshore yuan was little changed on the news and China’s equity futures were yet to open.
    Danny Bakst, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • Large sliding rear side doors can be configured to open at the push of a key fob button and make buckling kids into their car seats easier, especially in crowded parking lots.
    Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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