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
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Recent Examples of free
Adjective
Butane-free Reusable Lighters Skip the butane with sleek, rechargeable lighters from USB Lighter Co.—ABC News,
5 Sep. 2026 These reproductions are surprisingly effective, partly because the tapestry was made by many hands to begin with, and free embroidery is not an art of finesse.—
John Phipps,
New Yorker,
5 Sep. 2026
Verb
Her existence is solitary by design, freeing her up to disappear into her studies at all hours of the night, the doors of every institution seemingly always ready to welcome her into its stacks and viewing stations and leather reading chairs.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
3 Sep. 2026 After she was freed, the woman was taken to a nearby hospital with chest injuries.—ABC News,
3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for free
In early 2021, after a few years as an independent hotel, the Monarch Beach Resort joined the Waldorf Astoria Collection, the luxury brand from Hilton Hotels.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Sep. 2026
That means projects that are independent as a feature, not a bug.
The goal came after Furuhashi got loose on a breakaway up the middle of the pitch, only to be felled by New England’s Will Sands in the center of the box, leaving referee Drew Fischer with an easy penalty call.
—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Sep. 2026
After Mi-ok’s recent weight loss, her wedding ring has become loose.
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.
But the attendance announced by USC — 51,144 — admittedly felt generous.
—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Sep. 2026
The upcoming docuseries showcases a raw record of his life from the generous, vulnerable and wisecracking side of Perry to new details about his offscreen battles with drugs and alcohol, according to the logline.
The point is to make the brand’s Parisian identity travel throughout its 56 markets without turning it into a collection of familiar cues and clichés.
—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
1 Sep. 2026
In the campaign video, Kelce arrives at New York’s iconic The Plaza Hotel and greets a few familiar A-list faces before heading to his room to relax with an adorable, fluffy white dog.
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