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 freed
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 gratis
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 release
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 liberate
to set free from entanglement or difficulty
this plan should free us from debt
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Try This Instead
For
Try This
a free press
free access
free speech
a free choice
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of free
Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 27 Mar. 2025
Imagine if a book publisher demanded that authors write books for free and, instead of employing in-house editors, relied on other authors to edit those books, also for free.
—Sheon Han, Wired News, 27 Mar. 2025
Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Abraham posted the next day that Ballal had been freed but was badly beaten while in custody.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Adjective
Look for a gentle cleaner free of dyes, fragrances, and other harsh ingredients.
—Verb
By taking a page from the agent playbook, leaders can free themselves from micromanagement, scale faster, and focus on what truly drives their business forward.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
-
The broadcasters provide news and current affairs coverage around the world, particularly in countries that are saturated by propaganda and starved for independent news coverage.—
-
Four years ago, for instance, Kurt Almqvist, an independent scholar and book publisher, found Anna Cassel’s journals—some 60 notebooks—in a storage cubby on the Swedish Anthroposophical Society compound.—
Adjective
-
Leaders must actively value, retain, and leverage the knowledge of experienced workers—or brace for turbulence far worse than a loose airplane door.—
-
Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
Adjective
-
Laigueglia Parts of the Riviera di Ponente, or Western Riviera, offer sandy beaches, one of the many attractions of the town of Laigueglia, whose seafront extends for a generous three kilometers.—
-
Doing this to one of our closest allies, one always generous in aiding our defense and that sacrificed lives fighting for us, is outrageous.—
Adjective
-
Last-minute fixes were still being made, and some Cubs players trickled into the clubhouse to put stuff in their lockers or work out on their off day.—
-
Stewart’s on-field production left a lot to be desired last year, but his motor doesn’t have an off switch.—
Adjective
-
And then, aren’t cats emblematic of whatever is familiar but ultimately unknowable?—
-
But if the screaming sirens and looming threats to life and property are familiar, this year is different, experts say, with fewer National Weather Service employees on the job because of layoffs by President Donald Trump and less data about weather approaching from the Great Plains states.—
Adjective
-
Some are able to do this while only raising a single round of capital.—
-
Secured to the back panel via three sliding screws and a single (knurled) fixing screw, each of the drive bays is individually removable.—
Verb
-
Despite reuniting for live performances in recent years, Rage Against the Machine hasn’t released any original studio material since 2000’s Renegades.—
-
McFarland previously pleaded guilty to fraud charges related to the disastrous first Fyre Festival and was released from prison in 2022 after serving less than four years.—
Verb
-
The same day, Venus retrograde ends in Pisces, concluding the retrograde rally that opened the year.—
-
The rock act lands its highest debut on the Official Rock & Metal Albums chart, where Rush 50 opens at No. 5.—
Cite this Entry
“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
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