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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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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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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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
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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
Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 20 June 2025
The Juneteenth holiday marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, found out they had been freed — after the Civil War’s end and two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
—Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 19 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
If Wells Fargo does get permission to operate with a smaller capital cushion, that will free up resources for other uses — including, perhaps, returning some of it to shareholders.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 20 June 2025
The Juneteenth holiday marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, found out they had been freed — after the Civil War’s end and two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
—Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
-
According to the latest McKinsey American Opportunity Survey, 36% of the U.S. labor force identifies as independent workers today, up from 27% in 2016.—
Roomy Khan,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
-
Democratic leaders have come under criticism from within, some for pushing the party too far left, and others for appearing too conciliatory toward Trump, and a number who have felt disillusioned with its agenda have left the party entirely to either identify as independent or as a Republican.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
There are questions over whether Iran’s nuclear facilities were damaged to the point of uselessness, how much loose nuclear material may now be floating around Iran, and the speed with which Iran can reconstitute its program.—
The Editors,
National Review,
24 June 2025
-
The Daily Telegraph reported that the death was also similar to that of toddler Jack Mackay, who died in the same area in 2013 while playing in his crib with a loose curtain cord, which tragically wrapped around his neck.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
People.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
Cho, as the perceptive and generous Jin, distracted from his own family troubles by the sudden flashes of Casey’s bright light, is wise and rejuvenated; disinterested admiration makes this man, who looks to be in his forties, nearly a teen-ager again.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
20 June 2025
-
Others like Bill Gates, Laurene Powell Jobs, and Guy Fieri aren’t being so generous with their offspring.—
Ani Freedman,
Fortune,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
Adjective
-
The legal battle between these parties has become a familiar topic in sports law.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
24 June 2025
-
Pritzker and Emanuel are nationally familiar names.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
Spread on a lined baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm (if time) to prevent clumping.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
21 June 2025
-
Meanwhile, the Sox had just one hit — a single by Ryan Noda to begin the game — through five innings against Blue Jays starter José Berríos.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2025
Verb
-
His meme coin $TRUMP was not part of the form as it was only released this year.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
15 June 2025
-
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
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 28 Jun. 2025.
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