as in poetry
verse that does not rhyme and does not have a regular rhythm
The author's free verse has a unique rhythmic intensity.
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Recent Examples of free verse
The poem’s narrative frequently shifts between different speakers and languages, and Eliot employed a range of styles and techniques, including free verse and stream of consciousness.
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René Ostberg,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
18 June 2026
For Ginsberg, ever-attuned to the rhythmic physicality of verse, the central atom of poetry wasn’t the line or the foot, but rather the breath, emphasizing that his were longer than his free verse hero Whitman because the good, grey poet probably had smaller lungs.
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Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
The history of art reads here as one long, free verse poem-in-progress, gorgeous and absorbing.
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Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Told in a first-person, free verse style, her struggle to overcome a family tragedy, an ecological catastrophe, and the Great Depression is harrowing yet hopeful.
—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for free verse
René Ostberg,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
18 June 2026
For Ginsberg, ever-attuned to the rhythmic physicality of verse, the central atom of poetry wasn’t the line or the foot, but rather the breath, emphasizing that his were longer than his free verse hero Whitman because the good, grey poet probably had smaller lungs.
—
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
The history of art reads here as one long, free verse poem-in-progress, gorgeous and absorbing.
—
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Told in a first-person, free verse style, her struggle to overcome a family tragedy, an ecological catastrophe, and the Great Depression is harrowing yet hopeful.
—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for free verse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free verse
Noun
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The title character disdains the common folk, and the play’s complicated political discussion and harsh, jagged poetry aren’t what most picnicking playgoers are after.
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Not enough people look back to the ancient world, which is more associated with epic poetry about gods and war than prose compositions.
Noun
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Classics Studies teachers, whose work typically focuses on the history and culture of the ancient Mediterranean basin, are hoping that many moviegoers who see the film will then be inspired to pick up a copy of the original poem or perhaps even sign up for a class.
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In 2024, the icon wrote a poem for the CD version of Swift’s eleventh studio album The Tortured Poets Department.
Noun
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According to viewers, a woman appearing to be Alannah uses the N-word while lip-syncing lyrics.
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The follow-up to 2022’s Gemini Rights was written, performed, and produced by Lacy, who focuses the new album on transparency and personal lyrics.
Noun
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The piece has the pattern of blank verse.
Noun
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The rhyme references a viral chant that has taken the internet by storm during the NBA Finals in which the Knicks are currently up 3-1 against the San Antonio Spurs.
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It's got a lot going on, but there's a reason to every rhyme.
Noun
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So to reel it in, Pillsbury and his band threw on a sitar — which made the cut on a few songs — and a flute solo.
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Listen to the Obama playlists Barack Obama is known for releasing his songs of the summer playlist each year, and his end-of-year favorites in books, movies and music.
Cite this Entry
“Free verse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free%20verse. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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