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 the first time ever, Michaels is offering drop-in classes that are completely free to attend.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Aug. 2026 Along with providing access to transport, Beyoncé also teamed up with her husband Jay-Z to give their fans the opportunity to win free concert tickets to both of their shows for 30 years in 2019.—
Kelly Allen,
PEOPLE,
8 Aug. 2026
Verb
The hostages were freed just hours after his administration ended.—
Tracy Grant,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
7 Aug. 2026 Supported internally by the S COR polymer, the thinner face frees additional discretionary weight that can be relocated to the perimeter, further enhancing forgiveness on off-center strikes.—
Jeff Goudy,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for free
Council members anticipate hearing evidence from an independent investigator and other witnesses, said council member LaKeisha Gantt.
—
Reed Williams,
AJC.com,
8 Aug. 2026
Joe Conti, an independent researcher and physics enthusiast based in Massachusetts, is inviting eclipse observers across Iceland and Spain to capture the optical mystery on their smartphones as part of a citizen science project.
The right words could turn a loose idea into something real today.
—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Aug. 2026
The five-parter from Tiger King co-director Eric Goode features reptile dealers with a fondness for creepy crawlies and a loose connection to ethical and legal mores.
But this year, rumors suggest the company is doing away with this upgrade option amid the RAM crunch, or at least adding some fine print that would make customers pay for part of the usually gratis level-up.
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.
Here, the two twin in camel coats in an off-duty moment at Paris Fashion Week 2022.
—
Grace Gavilanes,
PEOPLE,
8 Aug. 2026
With a number of off days on the upcoming schedule and five healthy starters already in their rotation, the Yankees should be able to make that strategy work without taxing their bullpen.
Financial firms are now gearing up to jump into the market in a different way, as executives like Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon and KKR's Waldemar Szlezak see AI equipment attaining familiar money-making characteristics.
—
Kif Leswing,
CNBC,
11 Aug. 2026
If this sounds like a familiar issue to you, pack some extra Tylenol to be safe.
Copy Citation
