freedom of the press

noun phrase

: the right of newspapers, magazines, etc., to report news without being controlled by the government

Examples of freedom of the press 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.
In your opinion, do Mr. Trump’s actions represent a threat to freedom of the press in the United States? Natalie Proulx, New York Times, 1 May 2025 Furthermore, there is a sustained effort to undermine the freedom of the press by targeting journalists, suing media outlets, pulling funding and even politicizing the White House press pool. Michael Pfleger, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025 Stand up for freedom of the press and our democracy. Todd Spangler, Variety, 7 May 2025 This includes freedom of assembly, freedom of the press and freedom of speech. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for freedom of the press

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Cite this Entry

“Freedom of the press.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freedom%20of%20the%20press. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

freedom of the press

: the right to publish and disseminate information, thoughts, and opinions without restraint or censorship as guaranteed under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Note: The First Amendment's guarantees of freedom of speech and freedom of the press are closely intertwined, and many cases relating to freedom of the press are couched in terms of the freedom of speech.

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