freethinker

American  

[free-thing-ker] / ˈfriˈθɪŋ kər /

noun

1. a person who forms opinions on the basis of reason, independent of authority or tradition, especially a person whose religious opinions differ from established belief.

   Synonyms:

   atheist, agnostic, skeptic

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freethinker British  

/ ˌfriːˈθɪŋkə /

noun

1. a person who forms his or her ideas and opinions independently of authority or accepted views, esp in matters of religion

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Other Word Forms

• freethinking adjective

Etymology

Origin of freethinker

First recorded in 1685–95; free + thinker

Example Sentences

Ms. Collinsworth, a former publisher and magazine editor, gives readers a close-up view of an ambitious freethinker and a lively picture of the milieu in which she operated.

From The Wall Street Journal

The place was populated by Marxists and anarchists, “churchmen and agnostics, freethinkers, Darwinists and spiritualists … and dress reform cranks.”

From Los Angeles Times

A news release from the atheist and freethinker group said Mr. McBurnett responded via email, “The Facebook post has been removed, and the district will refrain from posting anything similar in the future.”

From Washington Times

“They were freethinkers. ... I liked listening to them and hearing ideas exchanged.”

From Los Angeles Times

Partly because we admire rebels and freethinkers, those who give a Bronx cheer to the stuffy power elite in any field.

From Washington Post