freedom of speech

Meaning

The fundamental right to express opinions and ideas publicly without government censorship or legal penalty.

Examples

• Many democratic nations consider freedom of speech a cornerstone of a healthy society.
• The court case centered on whether the new law violated the citizens' freedom of speech.

Pronunciation: ˈfriːdəm əv spiːtʃ

Synonyms of freedom of speech

Words with a similar meaning to freedom of speech:

• free speech
• liberty of expression
• right to speak
• freedom of expression