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
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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
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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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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 release
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 liberate
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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Recent Examples of free
Julia Ioffe, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
In Colorado, Christian proprietors have been repeatedly targeted for exercising their free exercise of religion.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
There’s something different, almost freeing, about the way Maggie and Alma speak to each other.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Adjective
In 1918, Soviet women were given the right to higher education, equal pay, no-fault civil divorce, child support (including for children born out of wedlock), paid maternity leave, and access to free maternity hospitals.
—Julia Ioffe, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
In Colorado, Christian proprietors have been repeatedly targeted for exercising their free exercise of religion.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
Crosby generated seven pressures win that game, and the extra attention devoted to him freed up counterpart Malcolm Koonce to notch three sacks in a stunning 20-14 victory.
—Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
There’s something different, almost freeing, about the way Maggie and Alma speak to each other.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
-
The film offers a child-psychology tip for fiercely independent kids (like Beesha) about learning to accept help from others, plus some none-too-subtle critiques of lying leaders who sow division.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Her potential ascension to the budget panel was repeatedly highlighted by her campaign in 2020 as a way to sway Maine's fickle - and often decisive - independent voting bloc.—
NPR,
NPR,
14 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
-
By contrast, the ICE facility was a mess of overflowing dumpsters, loose body armor and crowd control munitions and a broken HVAC air conditioning system that raised both temperatures and tempers in the aging building.—
Keith Wilson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Billowing sleeves and a loose, flowy hem allow the top to move with you through the airport, during sightseeing excursions, and even out to a nice dinner, and the neutral sage color keeps the top sufficiently wearable as your new go-to basic.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
With generous scoops and homemade flavors like Chocolate Fluffer Nutter, Black Raspberry, and Almond Bark, this small-batch, family-run shop is a true Syracuse staple.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Oct. 2025
-
The tiny house features generous glazing, including a double glass door entrance which opens next to the combined living/sleeping area.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
An off smell or sour odor signals spoilage.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Virginia’s off-year races are viewed as critical bellwethers of the electorate’s mood ahead of the midterms.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
But after the offense scored just one goal against Uxbridge, Quinn and the coaching staff made the move to push Schneider – one of the Porkers’ best finishers – back up to her familiar center-forward position against Canton, along with a couple of other changes.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Which means the vagaries of late October are pretty familiar for this franchise and the bulk of these players.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But with so much of that renewable generating technology also imported from a single country, there is a risk that one strategic geopolitical vulnerability is simply replaced with another.—
Andrew Saunders,
Fortune,
15 Oct. 2025
-
At the time, the university didn't offer a single course on Puerto Ricans, Chicanos, Native Americans or Asian Americans, according to the report.—
Gina Lee Castro,
jsonline.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
According to reports, the 49ers are releasing Marquez Valdes-Scantling with an injury settlement.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Oct. 2025
-
In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, large crowds of demonstrators gathered on Saturday, urging the government to pressure Hamas to release the bodies.—
Ibrahim Dahman,
CNN Money,
18 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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