free 1 of 2

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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

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as in costless
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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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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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 the Cubs, a 92-win season, the organization’s best since 2018, will end sooner than expected, with major offseason acquisition Kyle Tucker headed to free agency. The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 Washer, small indoor fireplace, heating, backyard, free parking, breakfast is provided. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
What To Know In his interview with the Financial Times, Emanuel addressed the fears that AI expediting tasks and freeing up time will result in employees leading less fulfilled lives. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 All women and children being held in Israeli custody will also be freed, according to the AP. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
  • Miner preachers and independent churches were central to the organization of miners in eastern Kentucky in the 1930s, too, during another period of violence between mine operators and miners over conditions, wages and unionization.
    The Conversation, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Programs are housed in state attorney general offices, in nonprofits and even as independent agencies.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The stars say that Anderson’s ambitious, liberated ideas should carry through to womenswear.
    Maya AlZaben, Vogue, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Micro minis and short shorts dominated the runways, from Prada to Versace, underscoring a liberated, high-summer spirit.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The mixture is dense and creamy; adding broth helps to create a looser sauce .
    Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The extra subsidies are especially generous for this group.
    Elena Shao, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
  • But the Stranahans, who owned 10 acres of land in total, were equally generous with their land.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Two weeks after an upset loss to visiting Cal Poly and a week after having a off-night bye to think about a season that could go either way, Sacramento State delivered a resounding 55-27 victory over Weber State on Saturday night in chilly Ogden, Utah.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Prettygarden 2-piece Jogger Set This two-piece set is an instant upgrade to your off-duty style.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The raid, Jones says, also exposed familiar fault lines in labor and manufacturing.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Stop us if any of this sounds familiar.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Noting the billions of dollars that Arkansas spends each year on federal programs to help the poor, including Medicaid, food stamps, child welfare and unemployment assistance, Sanders suggested the problems are often too big for a single program to fix.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2025
  • However, this is still a group that lacks even a single true top-pair defenseman.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This and that Four Dolphins who were released by the team in August had workouts or visits elsewhere on Friday.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Though the administration has released batches of files to the House Oversight Committee, Democrats point out that most of the information provided to the committee had already been public knowledge.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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