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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in gratis
not costing or charging anything
although the museum normally charges admission, on Wednesdays it is free to all
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in generous
giving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation
the lottery winner was very free with his money
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to liberate
to set free from entanglement or difficulty
this plan should free us from debt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Kevin Korte, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Berge carries the ball into the gap that’s been created…
… and when Mac Allister tries to defend the ball, plays it to Pereira, who is free to attack the right wing as Sessegnon’s movement drags Andy Robertson infield.
—Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
ArsTechnica, 7 Apr. 2025
After serving more than 25 years behind bars, he was freed because of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2012 ruling in Miller v. Alabama that mandatory life sentences in prison without parole for minors violated the U.S. Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Adjective
Large language models like Claude can create emails free of the typical spelling errors that have defined scam emails over the past 20 years.
—Kevin Korte, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Berge carries the ball into the gap that’s been created…
… and when Mac Allister tries to defend the ball, plays it to Pereira, who is free to attack the right wing as Sessegnon’s movement drags Andy Robertson infield.
—Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
Jason's presence could fulfill an ancient prophecy of a Seeker who will use the staff to free the Monkey King.
—ArsTechnica, 7 Apr. 2025
After serving more than 25 years behind bars, he was freed because of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2012 ruling in Miller v. Alabama that mandatory life sentences in prison without parole for minors violated the U.S. Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for free
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free
Adjective
-
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.—
Jay Cheshes,
Smithsonian Magazine,
28 Mar. 2025
-
The government insists the judiciary is independent, but critics say the evidence in Imamoglu's case is based on secret witnesses and lacks credibility.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Leaders must actively value, retain, and leverage the knowledge of experienced workers—or brace for turbulence far worse than a loose airplane door.—
Dan Pontefract,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 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
-
And then, aren’t cats emblematic of whatever is familiar but ultimately unknowable?—
Barry Schwabsky,
Artforum,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Customers at Clark’s can expect a menu that looks familiar to those who enjoyed The Good Wurst.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 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
-
Despite reuniting for live performances in recent years, Rage Against the Machine hasn’t released any original studio material since 2000’s Renegades.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
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.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
According to the complaint, about $40 million of the $367 million needed to build NRG Stadium—which opened in 2002—came through the sale of PSLs.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
3 Apr. 2025
-
The rock act lands its highest debut on the Official Rock & Metal Albums chart, where Rush 50 opens at No. 5.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share