free market
noun
plural free markets
: an economic system in which prices are based on competition among private businesses and are not controlled or regulated by a government : a market (see market entry 1 sense 4d) operating by free competition
… the free market works best when businesses compete to provide the best services …—
Chris Tomlinson
Chris TomlinsonA free market, technically, requires no government intervention, which is why capitalists usually land on the right of the political spectrum. In America, the government regulates businesses for reasons of social welfare and public safety …, so we don't operate in a truly free market.—Carolyn Twersky
—often hyphenated when used before another nounCarolyn Twerskyfree-market competition
free-market principles
One of the basic premises of the free-market system is that actors are free to buy from or sell to a variety of other actors.—Barry C. Lynn
Barry C. LynnExamples of free market in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Of the dollar volume, 92% of the sales were for predominantly free market buildings.
—Shimon Shkury, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
With time, however, Vargas Llosa became disillusioned with the left and came to embrace classical liberalism and free markets.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 21 Apr. 2025
Zoom out: Vance has been part of a small but growing group of Republicans who believe free market policies — including those backed by past Republican administrations — let some companies become too powerful.
—Ashley Gold, Axios, 15 Apr. 2025
By encouraging investment and free market solutions, Illinois can ensure that all families can afford a roof over their heads.
—Chris Miller, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free market
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Shimon Shkury, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
With time, however, Vargas Llosa became disillusioned with the left and came to embrace classical liberalism and free markets.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 21 Apr. 2025
Zoom out: Vance has been part of a small but growing group of Republicans who believe free market policies — including those backed by past Republican administrations — let some companies become too powerful.
—Ashley Gold, Axios, 15 Apr. 2025
By encouraging investment and free market solutions, Illinois can ensure that all families can afford a roof over their heads.
—Chris Miller, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free market
Cite this Entry
“Free market.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20market. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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