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Synonyms

free play

American  
[free play] / ˈfri ˈpleɪ /

noun

  1. a span of time in which children are allowed to engage in imaginative recreation alone or with other children, without significant restriction or guidance from adults.


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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.

As I wander past a "free play" section with a huge bank of computers, my perception shifts and I realise just how big a deal this all is.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Worst of all, not understanding these costs could make you believe that they don’t exist and that you’re getting a free play on the stock market’s slot machine.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 3, 2025

RAVE’s mission is to “build small fields for free play across the state of Washington,” according to Ashley Fosberg, the organization’s vice president of philanthropy and executive director.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 26, 2024

Young children need big spaces for free play.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2023

The door of the bus was opened just enough to give the rope free play.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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