free will

American  

noun

1. free and independent choice; voluntary decision.

   You took on the responsibility of your own free will.

2. Philosophy. the doctrine that the conduct of human beings expresses personal choice and is not simply determined by physical or divine forces.

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free will British  

noun

1. 1. the apparent human ability to make choices that are not externally determined

   2. the doctrine that such human freedom of choice is not illusory Compare determinism

   3. ( as modifier )

      a free-will decision

2. the ability to make a choice without coercion

   he left of his own free will: I did not influence him

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free will Cultural  

1. The ability to choose, think, and act voluntarily. For many philosophers, to believe in free will is to believe that human beings can be the authors of their own actions and to reject the idea that human actions are determined by external conditions or fate. (See determinism, fatalism, and predestination.)

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

free will

Michael Fogg, 47, of Cyncoed, Cardiff, offered his services to Cancer Research UK's free will writing scheme, but when the charity contacted people he claimed to represent, they said they had not used the solicitor.

From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026

“Sometimes I feel like I have free will and sometimes I don’t. I feel like I might as well be played by another player. It became existential pretty quickly.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026

Leaving on a free will be far more lucrative in terms of wages to the attacker than leaving this summer, when the buying club has to find a transfer fee.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026

Are you entering into this of your own free will — without any coercion?

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026

“Of my own free will, I sever this knot,” Seth said, as Goldilocks squawked noisily.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull

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