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
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Recent Examples of free
Adjective
Wall Street expects Nvidia to generate roughly $440 billion in free cash flow over the next six quarters, giving management ample firepower to repurchase shares without sacrificing investments needed to maintain its AI leadership.—
Alexa Lomonaco,jeff Nash,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2026 Tasting Table also cited the chain's rewards program and its decision to axe the surcharge for dairy-free milk options.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
3 Oct. 2026
Verb
Kim Won-ho, a Busan City official, said authorities will make another attempt as early as Friday to free the shark, which experts say is important for its safety and long-term health.—ABC News,
30 Sep. 2026 Unlike solid rocket motors, which utilize propellant containing fuel and a chemical oxidizer, solid fuel ramjets use atmospheric oxygen as the oxidizer for the fuel during flight, freeing internal volume for additional fuel.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for free
Four years ago, Tennessee's governor ordered another independent review into capital punishment after abruptly stopping the April 2022 execution of Oscar Smith.
—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Oct. 2026
LionTree is an independent banking firm, investing in companies such as Fanatics and Fubo and advising high-profile deals such as Amazon’s acquisition of MGM and the merger of CBS and Viacom.
But this year, rumors suggest the company is doing away with this upgrade option amid the RAM crunch, or at least adding some fine print that would make customers pay for part of the usually gratis level-up.
Not all pads are alike, but a footprint on the larger side involves five to ten acres of cleared, packed ground that serves as the hub for drilling equipment, which can include wellheads, pump jacks, tanks, wastewater storage pits, trailers, and flare stacks.
The rooms Rooms are clean and bright, content to sit back, relax, and let the killer oceanfront views do much of the work where possible; first order of business are massive windows and glass doors leading out onto generous balconies.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Oct. 2026
Before going to bed, Joy leaves out a generous spread of midnight snacks packed full of chicken for the guests, who stay up late.
Mix these finds into your work wardrobe or your off-duty ensembles—they’re versatile enough to do it all, and the festive palette is worth drooling over.
—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
7 Oct. 2026
Caminero is one of those players who, even amid a 162-game season, spends his off days watching baseball.
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