free 1 of 2

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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

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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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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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free

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verb

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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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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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5

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For
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a free press
an unrestricted press
an uncensored press
an independent press
an unregulated press
an open press
free access
open access
public access
unlimited access
excellent access
free speech
open speech
uncensored speech
liberated speech
unchecked speech
free space
open space
clear space
eligible space
valid space
unlocked space
a free choice
a personal choice
an unfettered choice
an open choice
a willing choice
an independent choice

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective free contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of free are autonomous, independent, and sovereign. While all these words mean "not subject to the rule or control of another," free stresses the complete absence of external rule and the full right to make all of one's own decisions.

you're free to do as you like

When is it sensible to use autonomous instead of free?

While the synonyms autonomous and free are close in meaning, autonomous stresses independence in matters pertaining to self-government.

in this denomination each congregation is regarded as autonomous

When would independent be a good substitute for free?

In some situations, the words independent and free are roughly equivalent. However, independent implies a standing alone; applied to a state it implies lack of connection with any other having power to interfere with its citizens, laws, or policies.

the colony's struggle to become independent

When is sovereign a more appropriate choice than free?

The words sovereign and free are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sovereign stresses the absence of a superior power and implies supremacy within a thing's own domain or sphere.

separate and sovereign armed services

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
Adjective
Donors will also receive a free download of the event poster, designed by Jay Smith. Chris Willman, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025 When Wednesday later sneaks into Willow Hill to get her Uncle Fester (Fred Armisen) out of the psychiatric hospital as well as uncover the outcast experiments happening in the basement, things go south when a monster breaks free. Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
The pod design also frees up space in the engine compartment to store and launch a tender. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2025 Later that year, his younger brother Jonathan had been shot and killed while trying to free him. Essence, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
  • With more than two decades of experience, Rodriguez advises studios, streamers and independent producers on how to effectively position and market projects to diverse global audiences.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
  • In the absence of independent monitoring on the ground, the ministry is the primary source for casualty data relied upon by humanitarian groups, journalists, and international bodies.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Similar themes crop up in the opera: Four female astronauts board a spaceship in hope of preserving the human race on a new planet, only for their mission to be privatized halfway through the journey by a venture capitalist, their liberated lives suddenly jeopardized.
    Hugh Morris, New York Times, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings reaches for a loose ball against Natasha Cloud #9 of the New York Liberty during a game against the New York Liberty at College Park Center on July 28, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The top has a casual, loose fit that’ll feel comfortable to wear with shorts now and jeans later, especially if it’s paired with a cozy cardigan for added warmth once fall arrives.
    Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In the most generous sense, that is what Palantir’s data analytics tools do: Allow users — mostly military and government agencies, but also private-sector companies — to better visualize large datasets.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Free plans are generous, but enterprise features include private-repo customization and network isolation.
    Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Interim manager Ray Montgomery agreed that plan made sense, despite the recent number of off days.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The game was suspended due to rain in the first inning and then completed the following afternoon, which was supposed to be an off day.
    John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As the new general manager of the Farmington Civic Theater, Clare Cooney plans to add some indie films to the historic Farmington landmark’s familiar mix of tentpole movies and family favorites, writes Julie Hinds.
    Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Researchers extracted its bitter compounds, finding two familiar ones—and three that were previously unknown.
    K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • With respect to Anthony, the Red Sox broached the idea of a long-term deal with his reps prior to the season, but the player was not yet ready to commit, having not yet even taken a single at-bat at Fenway Park.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The song had not come out yet but was being considered as the lead single from Swift's sophomore album Fearless.
    Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Blockbusters are released in five or six languages at once.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • However, the official cause of death has not been released yet.
    Kirsten Fiscus, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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