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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Try This InsteadFor
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
Eric Stephens, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Chris Spargo, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
The shots include a picture of the tabby cat wedged in a tight spot under the car's hood and an image of a rescuer petting the feline after freeing the animal.
—Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Adjective
The problem for the Ducks is that free agency looks to be a depressed market after Mitch Marner, and that’s if the Toronto Maple Leafs star makes it to July 1.
—Eric Stephens, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
She was freed the following day after posting $300,000 bail.
—Chris Spargo, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
The shots include a picture of the tabby cat wedged in a tight spot under the car's hood and an image of a rescuer petting the feline after freeing the animal.
—Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
-
The government argues that simply means that while the task force can consider a request from the Health and Human Services secretary – and even be fired for not complying – they’re supposed to exercise independent judgment.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
-
The Fed is an independent government agency established by Congress.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
That film was the third in Trier’s loose Oslo trilogy and was co-written with his long-time collaborator Eskil Vogt, who is also a co-writer on Sentimental Value.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Collins went on to join another funk pioneer: George Clinton, whose alternating bands Parliament and Funkadelic were innovating a looser, more improvisational and funnier style that would help define Black music in the ’70s.—
Steve Knopper,
Billboard,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Yeah, well, thank you for having me on and thank you for that really generous introduction.—
Tax Notes Staff,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Of all the airlines, Alaska and Hawaiian offer the most generous commitments.—
Bailey Berg,
AFAR Media,
8 Apr. 2025
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.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Stewart’s on-field production left a lot to be desired last year, but his motor doesn’t have an off switch.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The panel did not stray from their earlier guesses for him, throwing out familiar names like Dave Matthews, Daryl Hall, and Pat Monahan of Train once more.—
Lauren Huff,
EW.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
There was also a memorandum of agreement about the move signed on Monday by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting SSA Commissioner Leland Dudek, according to one source familiar.—
Aaron Navarro,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The singer-songwriter first announced the single in January 2024 with an audio excerpt posted on Instagram.—
Abigail Lee,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Without a single source of truth, organizations struggle to make informed decisions, manage costs or build resilience in the face of unpredictability.—
Sarah Jones,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Police were expected to release more information later Friday.—
Crimesider Staff,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Prosecutor to decide whether to release officers’ names Per the city’s policy, all of the officers, who haven’t been identified, were placed on administrative leave immediately after the shooting, Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad said in a statement.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Patterson is set to enter the transfer portal when the second cycle opens on Wednesday.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
15 Apr. 2025
-
After three frustrating results to open the season, NJ/NY Gotham FC found its breakthrough Sunday, edging out the North Carolina Courage 3-1 at Sports Illustrated Arena.—
Asli Pelit,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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