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.
Evans, 38, an Army veteran and former Arvada police officer, campaigned on hot-topic issues including free speech, gun rights and American security. Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024 Musk has said the purpose of the giveaway is to encourage people to sign a petition supporting constitutional rights, specifically the First and Second amendments — the right to free speech and the right to bear arms. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 Not because of his right to free speech—which exists to protect against government interference—but because of how Musk chooses to operate his platform. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024 The Georgia Supreme Court said a law used to arrest two Democratic state legislators who were protesting inside the Capitol did not violate their free speech rights. Kristal Dixon, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024 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 21 Nov. 2024.

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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