free-for-all

noun

: a competition, dispute, or fight open to all comers and usually with no rules : brawl
also : a chaotic situation resembling a free-for-all especially in lacking rules or structure
the press conference deteriorated into a free-for-all
free-for-all adjective

Examples of free-for-all in a Sentence

during the play-offs, fans of the opposing teams clashed in the streets in several free-for-alls it was a free-for-all when the doors to the arena opened and the crowd rushed in all at once
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Loss of Professional Standards - A deregulated platform can devolve into a digital free-for-all, where harmful speech, scams, and unprofessional conduct thrive. Amy Blankson, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 Platforms like TikTok cannot be allowed to operate as unchecked digital free-for-alls, where profits and foreign influence come at the expense of public health and national security. Andrae Bailey, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2025 So, who's gonna foot the bill for this fiscal free-for-all? Bob Haber, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 Here’s the deal: Gentle parenting isn’t the free-for-all it’s assumed to be. Alex Vance, Parents, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for free-for-all 

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free-for-all was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near free-for-all

Cite this Entry

“Free-for-all.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free-for-all. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

free-for-all

noun
ˈfrē-fə-ˌrȯl
: a competition or fight open to all comers usually without rules
free-for-all adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on free-for-all

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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