freethinker

[ free-thing-ker ]

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

freethinker

/ ˌfriːˈθɪŋkə /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• ˌfreeˈthinking, nounadjective

Other Words From

• freethinking adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of freethinker¹

First recorded in 1685–95; free + thinker

Example Sentences

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

The Amos track is an apt choice for framing some of the prevailing themes of the series, delineating between the boring and repressed “cornflake girls” and the more thrilling “raisin girls,” who are freethinkers.

From New York Times