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Definition of freenext
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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
Better yet, the fade- and stain-resistant fabric is machine washable for fuss-free upkeep. Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026 Workers at the security gates were allowing attendees to bring in bottled water, and the fair also provided water refill stations and multiple locations to grab a free bottle. Mike Stunson, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Verb
He was freed after a new bail was set at $20,000 and is next due in court on Thursday, records show. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 2 July 2026 Callella had been freed on $20,000 after his arrest and was not allowed to apply for a passport. Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
  • Economic progress slows when that guarantee is taken away, as Hong Kong has witnessed in its sad regression from the promises of an independent judiciary made in 1997.
    Tom Campbell, Oc Register, 4 July 2026
  • However, the results reported by xDots still come primarily from pilot projects, so broader independent validation will be needed to determine whether similar savings can be achieved consistently across different industries.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • In fact, the vast majority of freed people remained in the South.
    Rodney Coates, The Conversation, 16 June 2026
  • Well, the Thirteenth Amendment left the country with 4 million freed slaves, undefined.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Diving for loose balls, boxing out, guarding whoever Steve Kerr told him to, and occasionally making a basket.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
  • Tempers flared late in the fourth quarter when Kings center Dylan Cardwell and Nets guard Egor Demin wrestled for a loose ball.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • Three outdoor swimming pools and complimentary daily yoga classes give the property a resort feel.
    Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Dinner is a three-course meal, accompanied by one complimentary alcoholic beverage, while additional menu options are also available.
    Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 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
  • Scattered over the top were generous pebbles of queso panela, mild, milky and squeaky like halloumi.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • Getty Images for Shop the Sample Like TJ Maxx and Marshalls, Shop The Sample offers generous discounts on high-end clothing.
    Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Sooryavanshi missed his first two balls and got off the mark with a sketchy inside edge that pinged past his off stump.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • If your student has an off-campus job or a position that requires them to work odd hours, a car might be worth the expense and hassle.
    Chris Teague, AJC.com, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Unlike scenic destinations that become part of a wedding backdrop, Walshe said Madison Square Garden presents the opposite challenge because designers would first have to erase the venue's familiar arena feel before creating something entirely new.
    Lauryn Overhultz , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • From there, Florida's history followed the path more familiar to Americans, eventually becoming the 27th state in 1845.
    Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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