free speech
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of free speech
An Americanism dating back to 1840–50
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.
And, while enthusiastically embracing the therapist’s narrative, the majority persistently portrays her as a victim of Colorado’s attack on her free speech.
From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026
His pitch -- financial services framed as free speech -- lands easily with a crowd that sees itself as culturally embattled.
From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026
Mr. Lai took Beijing at its word that free speech would remain.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
“As much as they say it’s about free speech, it actually drowns out speech.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026
From what I understand, free speech is something Americans cherish, so they allowed us to continue chanting.
From "The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra's Needle" by Dan Gutman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
