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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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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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
The government has ramped up efforts by offering free TB testing and medicines through public health facilities, aiming to ensure early diagnosis and treatment, reaching even the most vulnerable populations. CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2025 Stir in milk and beer (or all milk for an alcohol-free version), and cook until thick and bubbly. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
This novel approach frees up internal space, allowing for a higher concentration of active cathode materials — nickel, cobalt, and aluminum — within the same battery volume. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2025 The Downtown Little Rock Partnership, the organization behind the annual festival, has sought to use the new location to publicize how acreage freed up by the 30 Crossing interstate construction project could be transformed into a new park. arkansasonline.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
  • Charter schools are overseen by independent boards, overwhelmingly, like nonprofit boards of directors that manage the oversight and then follow all or most of the same government rules related to public schools.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Employers increasingly wonder whether campuses are cultivating independent thinkers or just cautious followers.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Coming to terms with colonial-era collaboration would pose one of the most vexing challenges in a liberated Korea.
    Kornel Chang September 19, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Very permissive, very liberated, radical, allowed to follow any impulse, no matter how strange.
    Ramin Setoodeh, Variety, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Amad first closed down and blocked Moises Caicedo’s clearance deep in Chelsea’s half, then Mbeumo won a 50-50 for the loose ball with Chalobah.
    Mark Critchley, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
  • The junior wideout slipped loose into the secondary, breaking free for a 51-yard touchdown reception as the Harbormen cut things to a 21-13 game.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The interior features pine walls and ceiling, while the generous glazing, which includes a skylight, helps maximize natural light inside.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
    Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This November’s key off-year contests and the 2026 midterm elections may not go well for the Republican Party; historically, the president’s party loses ground in both.
    David M. Drucker, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The peekaboo bra layering trend saw a resurgence in 2024, thanks in part to celebrities like Katie Holmes, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Kristen Stewart and more styling the trend on the red carpet and with their off-duty attire.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Holly, who did not share her last name, posed in the familiar tourist style—appearing to hold up the tilted tower.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The fantastic is used to sketch out familiar story lines, but the metaphysical premise remains as vague as the dramatic stakes in the lives of the characters.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These acts are punishable crimes, and every single threat will be met with the full force of the law.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The Midong solar project is the world's largest single-solar power producer, potentially generating enough electricity for 5 million households.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Authorities have not released information about victim conditions or the total number of people injured in the attack.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Morgan said the victim suffered stab wounds to his hands, chest, lung and abdomen, and was treated and released.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

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