free rein

noun

: unrestricted liberty of action or decision
The studio gave the director free rein over the movie.

Examples of free rein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other than that constraint, the chefs had free rein over their burgers. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2026 Its wire-free design also gives you free rein to clean all over the house without being tethered to an outlet. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 The capybara swim happened at Wichabai Ranch, where a rewilding conservation program has given a small group of them a lake and, apparently, free rein over the guests. — Chantelle Kincy, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026 The year after the wedding, Harry moved out, leaving his father Charles and stepmother Camilla to have free rein over all Clarence House's rooms. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for free rein

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free rein was in 1635

Rhymes for free rein

See All Rhymes for free rein

Browse Nearby Words

free reed
free rein
free ride
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Free rein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20rein. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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