free speech
noun
: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
also
: the right to such speech
an unconstitutional restraint on free speech —
Nat'l Law Jour.
Nat'l Law Jour. Examples of free speech in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite serious concerns about violations of the First Amendment by limiting free speech and the freedom of the press, their use in the state capital continues.
—Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 19 July 2025
Fortunately, professional historians have not been cowed like many university leaders, law firms and others who have shamefully capitulated to Trump’s assault on free speech and intellectual integrity.
—John Lawrence, Twin Cities, 18 July 2025
The campus protests dwindled after restrictions were tightened and some protesters were threatened with expulsion, a move condemned by the activists as an infringement on free speech.
—Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 10 July 2025
But others have said the administration’s actions are a clear violation of the First Amendment and could have significant implications for the future of free speech in the U.S.
—Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 8 July 2025
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Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 19 July 2025
Fortunately, professional historians have not been cowed like many university leaders, law firms and others who have shamefully capitulated to Trump’s assault on free speech and intellectual integrity.
—John Lawrence, Twin Cities, 18 July 2025
The campus protests dwindled after restrictions were tightened and some protesters were threatened with expulsion, a move condemned by the activists as an infringement on free speech.
—Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 10 July 2025
But others have said the administration’s actions are a clear violation of the First Amendment and could have significant implications for the future of free speech in the U.S.
—Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for free speech
Cite this Entry
“Free speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20speech. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
free speech
noun1
: 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
A. M. Dershowitz2
: freedom of speech
an unconstitutional restraint on free speech—National Law Journal
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