1
as in independent
not being under the rule or control of another
the 20th century saw many African countries become free after many years of European rule
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
as in loose
not bound, confined, or detained by force
all of the animals in the game preserve are free to roam all over its vast area
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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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5
as in cleared
allowing passage without obstruction
make sure the pass is free before you attempt the trip through the mountains this winter
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6
as in generous
giving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation
the lottery winner was very free with his money
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in off
not being in a state of use, activity, or employment
this computer terminal is free if you need to use it
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8
as in familiar
showing a lack of proper social reserve or modesty
she's a little too free with information about her social life
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9
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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1
as in to liberate
to set free (as from slavery or confinement)
a global crusade to free Nelson Mandela from a South African prison had emerged
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2
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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3
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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4
as in to rid
to set (a person or thing) free of something that encumbers
a phone call would free your parents from worry
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5
as in to save
to set free from entanglement or difficulty
this plan should free us from debt
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of free
Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 9 Nov. 2025
That means the current stock is mostly tariff-free, but that inventory is running thin.
—Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Dan Walters, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025
Bannon was freed on $5 million bail.
—Kevin G. Hall, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Adjective
Existing Sportico subscribers have free access to Club Sportico.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 9 Nov. 2025
That means the current stock is mostly tariff-free, but that inventory is running thin.
—Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
Caruso and Steyer could easily finance campaigns for governor, freeing themselves from the chore of raising money and thus incurring political debts to supporters.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025
Bannon was freed on $5 million bail.
—Kevin G. Hall, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
-
Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted for the bill, along with independent Angus King of Maine, who caucuses with Democrats.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The European Union and independent electoral monitoring organizations such as the Carter Center and the Colombian Electoral Mission also backed the opposition’s claim.—
Stefano Pozzebon,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Millions remain far from liberated from economic pressure, and few of us feel burdened by an excess of free time.—
Arianna Huffington,
Fortune,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Translation: this is cosmic support for becoming a more expansive, liberated version of you — one who knows their worth and isn’t afraid to explore new horizons.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Midway through the third quarter, true freshman linebacker Mason Posa, buried on the depth chart just weeks ago, ripped the ball loose at Washington’s 7-yard line and fell on it himself.—
Ira Gorawara,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Sanford jarred the ball loose as Zollers was loading up to pass, and the ball caromed to A&M’s Dalton Brooks virtually in stride behind Zollers.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Despite widespread fatigue over tipping prompts, Americans still tend to be generous when dining out at restaurants.—
Peter Burke,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Duvi was pleasantly surprised when their photographers not only issued a generous refund, but also stayed late and added extra services.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Other Republicans say the criticism of the party’s performance is overkill, noting that the major elections of the evening took place in blue-leaning states during an off-year election.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Superstar Victor Wembanyama had an off night, scoring just nine points to go with nine rebounds and four blocks.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
With spoofing tools, criminals can mimic real bank phone numbers and even use AI to reproduce familiar voices.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The common ingredients are incredible storytellers who are excited about trying to make a series that feels authentic and realistic, and maybe feels familiar, but in a way that also feels elevated and sophisticated.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Draymond Green grabbed 10 rebounds but recorded just a single assist.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Helicopters are proven, versatile, and can fly for hours on a single tank of fuel.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Lawrence is liberated from anything resembling propriety or self-consciousness here.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Owen predicted the coming of a new order that would liberate Americans from their plight.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
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