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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in cleared
allowing passage without obstruction
make sure the pass is free before you attempt the trip through the mountains this winter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in generous
giving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation
the lottery winner was very free with his money
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in single
not physically attached to another unit
an arrangement of free columns adds interest to the Greco-Roman sculpture garden
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to liberate
to set free from entanglement or difficulty
this plan should free us from debt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 14 Sep. 2025
While some free VPNs may work responsibly, most need a way to profit.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Today’s resolution is yet another counterproductive gesture that only rewards Hamas, drags out the war and undercuts the very diplomatic efforts to free the hostages and end the suffering in Gaza.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Adjective
Its free lunch program for the homeless and hungry draws more than 200 people in a week, and a free drop-in mental health clinic operates from offices on-site.
—Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 14 Sep. 2025
While some free VPNs may work responsibly, most need a way to profit.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
Advertisement The decision freed the states previously limited by preclearance to weaken voting protections, add requirements conditioning the right to vote, and close polling places.
—Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Today’s resolution is yet another counterproductive gesture that only rewards Hamas, drags out the war and undercuts the very diplomatic efforts to free the hostages and end the suffering in Gaza.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
-
Charter schools are overseen by independent boards, overwhelmingly, like nonprofit boards of directors that manage the oversight and then follow all or most of the same government rules related to public schools.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Employers increasingly wonder whether campuses are cultivating independent thinkers or just cautious followers.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Russian propaganda calls it the restoration of liberated territories.—
Yegor Mostovshikov,
The Dial,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Those phrases, used among student protestors to voice support for a liberated Palestinian people, were viewed by some in the Jewish community as manifestations of hate.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The attempt was tipped and brought in by Locke, who slipped loose into the secondary before taking off for a 64-yard touchdown reception.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
-
These are organized into geologic map units, which range in composition from loose sand and gravel to very old bedrock.—
David Bressan,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
That Golden Quartet The chemistry between the four leads was undeniable — especially during those late-night kitchen table conversations, always over a generous slice of cheesecake.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Hot Cheesy Crab Dip There’s no quicker way to please a crowd than with Grandma’s cheese dip, and this recipe happens to include a generous helping of crab meat.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Though his request to play in Napa was denied, his off-course involvement is already proving to be a unifying force.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
-
However, he was involved in an off-field accident that forced the Royals to shift their pitching plans.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
On the other side of the equation, the Chiefs’ receiving corps has looked eerily familiar.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
11 Sep. 2025
-
The inertia of familiar patterns keeps people locked into old routines.—
Thomas Lim,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
These acts are punishable crimes, and every single threat will be met with the full force of the law.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The Midong solar project is the world's largest single-solar power producer, potentially generating enough electricity for 5 million households.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This year’s results covering 2023 and 2024, which were shared exclusively with Forbes, will be released tomorrow.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Agents detained two suspects – including one at the scene of the crime – but later released them and cleared them of any involvement.—
Rick Jervis,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share