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free 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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
Existing Sportico subscribers have free access to Club Sportico. Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 9 Nov. 2025 That means the current stock is mostly tariff-free, but that inventory is running thin. Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
These nifty carry-on attachments slide onto the handle of your luggage, freeing up your hands. Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026 While Millie worked as a housemaid in the first film, Enzo was the landscaper who knew Andrew's dark secrets and helped free Nina. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
  • Compute, sensors, steering, braking, and charging systems are all integrated into a unified autonomy stack rather than operating as independent subsystems.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Camera Cinemas — the independent outfit led by Jack NyBlom, Jim Zuur and Dennis Skaggs — came in, renovated and added four auditoriums and reopened in July 2002 with a combo of first-run blockbusters and independent movies.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The film was notable for its liberated portrayal of sexuality, including a famous scene of Bardot dancing, which also expanded the popularity of French cinema around the world.
    IndieWire Staff, IndieWire, 28 Dec. 2025
  • And God Created Woman had a major impact on the liberated screen romances of the next decade, including those made by the French New Wave.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 28 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Last year, Anderson stuck with a soft glam look and left her hair down in natural, loose waves.
    Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • What counts as a cleared sidewalk?
    Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 1 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite widespread fatigue over tipping prompts, Americans still tend to be generous when dining out at restaurants.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Duvi was pleasantly surprised when their photographers not only issued a generous refund, but also stayed late and added extra services.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Using his off hand, Brown spun the ball off the glass and through the hoop while Shead fouled him.
    Jay King, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
  • In November 2022, the four college students were found stabbed to death in an off-campus home in the small community of Moscow, Idaho.
    Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The knit top offered the familiar ease of an oversized tee with the warmth and polish of a sweater, a mix that feels both cozy and refined.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Experts say some familiar nutrition advice remains, but the changes may raise questions and confusion.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • According to another shopper, the battery lasts long enough to clean their entire apartment in one single charge.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Cosmic said the Santa Rosa home is the first single-family home being built using its AI technology.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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