free speech
noun
: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
also
: the right to such speech
… speakers were allowed to exercise their constitutional right of free speech … —
Harold Ickes
Harold Ickes Examples of free speech in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In a 6-3 ruling split along ideological lines, the Supreme Court determined that federal caps on coordinated spending between candidates and political parties violate constitutional free speech protections.
—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
4 July 2026
In court documents, O’Hara alleged the defendants violated his First and Fourth Amendment rights, accusing them of unlawfully restricting free speech and initiating an unlawful seizure while using excessive force.
—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2026
In January 2025, a federal judge ruled that portion of the ordinance overburdens free speech rights by prohibiting anyone from providing any lecture in any San Diego public park or beach.
—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
2 July 2026
In its lawsuit, CAIR is accusing the state of violating the First Amendment, which protects free speech, and the 14th Amendment’s promise of due process.
—
Romy Ellenbogen Herald,
Miami Herald,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for free speech
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David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
4 July 2026
In court documents, O’Hara alleged the defendants violated his First and Fourth Amendment rights, accusing them of unlawfully restricting free speech and initiating an unlawful seizure while using excessive force.
—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2026
In January 2025, a federal judge ruled that portion of the ordinance overburdens free speech rights by prohibiting anyone from providing any lecture in any San Diego public park or beach.
—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
2 July 2026
In its lawsuit, CAIR is accusing the state of violating the First Amendment, which protects free speech, and the 14th Amendment’s promise of due process.
—
Romy Ellenbogen Herald,
Miami Herald,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for free speech
Cite this Entry
“Free speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20speech. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
free speech
noun1
: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
setting off an alarm bell is not free speech—A. M. Dershowitz
A. M. Dershowitz2
: freedom of speech
an unconstitutional restraint on free speech—National Law Journal
National Law JournalLove words? Need even more definitions?
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