1
as in independent
not being under the rule or control of another
the 20th century saw many African countries become free after many years of European rule
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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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3
as in loose
not bound, confined, or detained by force
all of the animals in the game preserve are free to roam all over its vast area
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4
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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5
as in cleared
allowing passage without obstruction
make sure the pass is free before you attempt the trip through the mountains this winter
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6
as in generous
giving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation
the lottery winner was very free with his money
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7
as in off
not being in a state of use, activity, or employment
this computer terminal is free if you need to use it
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8
as in familiar
showing a lack of proper social reserve or modesty
she's a little too free with information about her social life
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9
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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1
as in to liberate
to set free (as from slavery or confinement)
a global crusade to free Nelson Mandela from a South African prison had emerged
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2
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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3
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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4
as in to rid
to set (a person or thing) free of something that encumbers
a phone call would free your parents from worry
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5
as in to save
to set free from entanglement or difficulty
this plan should free us from debt
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of free
Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Brenen Lorient shot 6 for 10 (2 for 4 from 3-point range) and 1 of 4 from the free-throw line to finish with 15 points.
—ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Brooke Taylor, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026
The crowd atop the Hermosa Beach Pier watched with bated breath as a local fisherman, stripped down to his underwear and armed with only a pair of scissors, waded into the water in an attempt to free a juvenile great white shark.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for free
Adjective
UConn, which survived Sunday on a legendary last-second 3-pointer by Braylon Mullins, played almost error-free the entire game, making no turnovers over until 6½ minutes into the second half and only four on the night.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Brenen Lorient shot 6 for 10 (2 for 4 from 3-point range) and 1 of 4 from the free-throw line to finish with 15 points.
—ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
At a crowded news conference, boisterous supporters chanted to free Sarsour.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Brooke Taylor, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026
The crowd atop the Hermosa Beach Pier watched with bated breath as a local fisherman, stripped down to his underwear and armed with only a pair of scissors, waded into the water in an attempt to free a juvenile great white shark.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
-
Will the American people have faith any longer that any investigation can be independent and free of partisanship?—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Getting an independent lawyer would help city lawyers avoid a conflict of interest.—
Joe Mahr,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The story of sheltered squares being exposed to the wider world and liberated is just as relevant now as 50 years ago.—
Joe Lynch,
Billboard,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The Ten Commandments describe the kind of relationships the liberated slaves should pursue.—
James Coffin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The live-action show is a rather loose adaptation of the original manga, presenting itself as a glossy prestige drama, a bit more serious than its source material.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Rodón, 33, is working his way back from an October operation to remove a bone spur and loose bodies in his left elbow.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Not all pads are alike, but a footprint on the larger side involves five to ten acres of cleared, packed ground that serves as the hub for drilling equipment, which can include wellheads, pump jacks, tanks, wastewater storage pits, trailers, and flare stacks.—
Alex Heard,
Outside,
4 Mar. 2026
-
What counts as a cleared sidewalk?—
Quinn Clark,
jsonline.com,
1 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Your generous heart likely loves to say yes, but everything has an opportunity cost.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Fierce in expression but controlled in form, the 1959 LP draws out a rootsy warmth from beneath the bebop that had consumed bandstands since World War II, forging a sound that feels at once confrontational, mischievous, and generous.—
Daniel Felsenthal,
Pitchfork,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Because of four early off days in their schedule, the Yankees didn’t have a need for a fifth starter until April 11.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Following an off day, RHP Michael McGreevy (0-0) starts Friday in Detroit against LHP Framber Valdez (0-0).—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The birding site notes that hummingbirds migrate alone, often following familiar paths, and can travel up to 500 miles at a time at speeds of 20 to 30 mph.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Bogen says the pattern is familiar from older Internet platforms, where small behavioral cues became signals that shaped what users saw and how they were categorized.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Korean’s quartet of assists was one shy of the MLS single-game record set by Lionel Messi last year, and established a new high for LAFC.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
This could extend to single-serve snacks in the car while out running errands.—
Dr. Sarah Kinsella,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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