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Synonyms

freewheeling

American  
[free-hwee-ling, -wee-] / ˈfriˈʰwi lɪŋ, -ˈwi- /

adjective

  1. operating in the manner of a freewheel.

  2. (of a person) moving about freely, independently, or irresponsibly.

  3. (of words, remarks, actions, etc.) unrestrained; irresponsible.

    Loose, freewheeling charges were traded during the argument.


freewheeling British  
/ ˌfriːˈwiːlɪŋ /

adjective

  1. relating to, operating as, or having a freewheel; coasting

  2. informal free of restraints; carefree or uninhibited

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of freewheeling

First recorded in 1900–05; freewheel + -ing 2

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.

See Examples For:

Bridgers also provided guest vocals on Silk Chiffon, a freewheeling sapphic love song that became Muna's breakthrough single.

From BBC Jul. 24, 2026

It risks striking directly at the heart of the freewheeling money engine that’s been funding Silicon Valley’s trillion-dollar AI build-out.

From MarketWatch Jul. 23, 2026

Orchison, the Australian-born, Denver-based DJ who has played several Dave & Buster’s raves under the name ÆON:MODE, sees a through line between the arcade chain parties and the freewheeling spirit of the OG rave scene.

From Slate Jun. 25, 2026

Executives are now taking steps to rein in freewheeling AI use.

From The Wall Street Journal May 31, 2026

In the end, Santa sculpts the group’s freewheeling ideas into a few concrete requirements: I have to repay Mr. Davis for the fireworks I stole.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz

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