free-for-all

noun

Synonyms of free-for-allnext
: a competition, dispute, or fight open to all comers and usually with no rules : brawl
also : a chaotic situation resembling a free-for-all especially in lacking rules or structure
the press conference deteriorated into a free-for-all
free-for-all adjective

Synonyms of free-for-all

Examples of free-for-all in a Sentence

during the play-offs, fans of the opposing teams clashed in the streets in several free-for-alls it was a free-for-all when the doors to the arena opened and the crowd rushed in all at once
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But the fun of Last One Laughing is mostly in the mundane, free-for-all nature of gameplay that is people walking around and talking. Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026 Experts told Rose that the truth is more complicated than a fraud free-for-all. Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 27 Mar. 2026 What used to be a sacred system of voting has become a free-for-all, fueling distrust and doubt among the public. Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2026 Not an orderly affair, but a free-for-all. Scott Neuman, NPR, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for free-for-all

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free-for-all was in 1874

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Free-for-all.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free-for-all. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

free-for-all

noun
ˈfrē-fə-ˌrȯl
: a competition or fight open to all comers usually without rules
free-for-all adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on free-for-all

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster