free speech

noun

: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
also : the right to such speech
… speakers were allowed to exercise their constitutional right of free speech … —Harold Ickes

Examples of free speech in a Sentence

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.
After the group recalculated its college free speech rankings, USC rose from 198th to 37th out of 261 schools. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 The ban and ensuing arrests prompted debate over free speech and the use of counterterrorism laws against political protest. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 With attack ads against them still fresh in their minds, McGrane said, Idaho lawmakers have at times sought to use his office to tamp down free speech. — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 15 Oct. 2026 Citing 2026 laureate Navi Pillay—known for charging Israel with genocide and dismissing free speech—Schatz warns the award now rewards ideological insider posturing rather than genuine efforts to achieve international peace. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for free speech

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free speech was in 1765

Rhymes for free speech

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Browse Nearby Words

free/spare time
free speech
free spirit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Free speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20speech. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

free speech

noun
: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
also : the right to such speech

Legal Definition

free speech

noun
1
: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
setting off an alarm bell is not free speech—A. M. Dershowitz
2
: freedom of speech
an unconstitutional restraint on free speech—National Law Journal
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