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.

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.
There are countless definitions of democracy, but virtually all Americans agree on several core criteria: free and fair elections, checks and balances, peaceful transfers of power, free speech. Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2025 Caught at the intersection of free speech and national security, the software supporting the platform is considered among the most valuable tech assets in the world. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 Jan. 2025 Facing a shutdown, millions of the app’s users expressed disbelief, sadness, anger and defiance, with many posting farewell messages and others mock funerals; while critics have argued that this is a blow to free speech. Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025 The court's decision said the divest-or-ban law does not violate the free speech rights of TikTok or its 170 million users in the U.S., agreeing with the government's position that the platform could be used by China to collect a vast amount of sensitive information on Americans. Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 18 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near free speech

Cite this Entry

“Free speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20speech. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

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 speechA. M. Dershowitz
2
: freedom of speech
an unconstitutional restraint on free speechNational Law Journal
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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