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 freed
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in gratis
not costing or charging anything
although the museum normally charges admission, on Wednesdays it is free to all
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
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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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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?
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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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Try This Instead
Try This InsteadFor
Try This
a free press
free access
free speech
a free choice
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
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
—Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 19 June 2025
Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 6 June 2025
The original 28 Days Later (2002) takes place in a world where animal rights activists have freed a group of infected chimpanzees to horrifying results.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Adjective
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
—Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
Experts agree that the new political landscape has freed up states to explore other methods that may have struggled to hold up under a more liberal court.
—Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 6 June 2025
The original 28 Days Later (2002) takes place in a world where animal rights activists have freed a group of infected chimpanzees to horrifying results.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
-
The original plan to resolve this—to spin out OpenAI into an independent, for-profit company—was scrapped in May and replaced with a new approach, which will turn OpenAI’s for-profit group into a public benefit corporation controlled by the nonprofit.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
20 June 2025
-
Read More Stephanie is an arts and culture journalist and independent dress historian based in New York City.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
For all his reputation as an annoyingly committed actor, Norton feels so loose and playful with Anderson.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
-
Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
Southern Living contributor Rick Bragg says the recipe is actually very simple: squishy white brand, salt and pepper, generous smears of mayo, and slices of juicy tomatoes.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
8 June 2025
-
But in a high-tax country like Norway, where locals already fund generous public services, the idea of taxing tourists has been politically sensitive.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
Yet Shildt had a relatively rested back end of his bullpen and an off day coming up.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 June 2025
-
Some takeaways from a successful series win ahead of an off day Thursday: Mayer heating up Mayer hasn’t even been in the majors for a month, but the 22-year-old has already hit three homers and is finding his groove.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
Playing familiar music can make using the toilet feel like a fun, comfortable activity, rather than a scary one.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
12 June 2025
-
The high school journey for Hiram Johnson’s students came to a close Wednesday with familiar themes in a new location.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
The cheeseburgers at Mama’s Snack shack are $5.50 for a single and $8.60 for a double.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
-
The mogul’s various businesses — including Combs Enterprises that was largely funded by Combs’ partnership with liquor giant Diageo — deposited up to $800,000 in a single day into the personal account.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
8 June 2025
Verb
-
Also on Tuesday morning, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its monthly look at U.S. import and export prices — a report that historically hasn't gotten a ton of attention, but now provides another way to measure the impact of tariffs.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,
CNBC,
15 June 2025
-
On Sunday at 2:18 a.m. the NWS Raleigh NC released a flood watch valid between 1 p.m. and 11 p.m.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
15 June 2025
Verb
-
That left Nesmith on Gilgeous-Alexander to open the possession.—
Anthony Slater,
New York Times,
14 June 2025
-
Although it’s been ordaining openly gay ministers since the 1970s, UCC isn’t the only church opening its doors to LGBTQ+ worshippers.—
Matt Alderton,
USA Today,
14 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.
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