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freedom of the press

American  

noun

  1. the right to publish newspapers, magazines, and other printed matter without governmental restriction and subject only to the laws of libel, obscenity, sedition, etc.


freedom of the press Cultural  
  1. The right to circulate opinions in print without censorship by the government. Americans enjoy freedom of the press under the First Amendment (see also First Amendment) to the Constitution.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In its decision, the court concluded "that the interruption of access to the TikTok platform constitutes a restriction of freedom of expression and freedom of the press".

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

I often refer to freedom of speech as the Supreme Court’s favorite child, while the press clause, the freedom of the press, is the neglected child.

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2026

At issue are two different rights, each guaranteed by the First Amendment: freedom of the press and freedom of religion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

However, freedom of the press is a byproduct of the framers’ desire to see democracy in this country survive.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2025

It was entirely possible that the freedom of the press would win its battle, and that he would still lose his job.

From "The Landry News" by Andrew Clements