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 So again, important issues — what is free speech and what can the government do to counter lies and propaganda without infringing on it? — that the court wants no part of. Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2024 Their lessons about free speech and free thinking reverberated both outside the United States and within its borders. Robin Givhan, Washington Post, 25 June 2024 This dynamic is impeding free speech since people are afraid to speak up because of how they will be attacked in both traditional and social media by distortions that are meant to bring them down. Ray Dalio, TIME, 25 June 2024 Social media regulation and free speech The Supreme Court will determine whether state laws restricting how social media companies moderate content violate the First Amendment. Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 25 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for free speech 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'free speech.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 4 Jul. 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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