free association
noun
1
a
: the expression (as by speaking or writing) of the content of consciousness without censorship as an aid in gaining access to unconscious processes especially in psychoanalysis
b
: the reporting of the first thought that comes to mind in response to a given stimulus (such as a word)
2
: an idea or image elicited by free association
3
: a method using free association
Examples of free association in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But free association can help ensure that top-down, executive forces don’t dominate one’s mental landscape.
—
Matt Fuchs, TIME, 1 Aug. 2024
And then Morrison got philosophical, which is exactly the kind of free association movies are supposed to inspire.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2024
Since 1994, Palau has been covered by a compact of free association with the United States, making Washington responsible for its defense needs and allowing Palauans to serve in the US military.
—Brad Lendon, CNN, 30 June 2024
And in 2019, a federal judge rejected a lawsuit brought by two arms of the International Union of Operating Engineers that argued the law violates free speech and free association under the First Amendment.
—Scott Bauer, Fortune, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for free association 
Matt Fuchs, TIME, 1 Aug. 2024
And then Morrison got philosophical, which is exactly the kind of free association movies are supposed to inspire.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2024
Since 1994, Palau has been covered by a compact of free association with the United States, making Washington responsible for its defense needs and allowing Palauans to serve in the US military.
—Brad Lendon, CNN, 30 June 2024
And in 2019, a federal judge rejected a lawsuit brought by two arms of the International Union of Operating Engineers that argued the law violates free speech and free association under the First Amendment.
—Scott Bauer, Fortune, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for free association
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'free association.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near free association
Cite this Entry
“Free association.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20association. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
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