freewheeling

[ free-hwee-ling, -wee- ]

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

/ ˌfriːˈwiːlɪŋ /

adjective

1. relating to, operating as, or having a freewheel; coasting
2. informal.
   free of restraints; carefree or uninhibited

Word History and Origins

Origin of freewheeling¹

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

Example Sentences

So far, she’s found the L.A. scene much more freewheeling and open to collaborating and hanging out — including her old heroes in Whirr.

From Los Angeles Times

Christopher cites the freewheeling nature of the ’50s folk scene as a large influence on his father’s art, which had the sort of bold colors and intricate, line-heavy work one sees in a tattoo parlor.

From Los Angeles Times

Empowered by his own hubris, Trump builds and borrows and beds with impunity — all with a freewheeling sense of gleeful combativeness.

From Los Angeles Times

The freewheeling atmosphere created by the pair was a departure for “Today” and became a pop culture sensation.

From Los Angeles Times

A convention speech that started with a recollection of the assassination attempt and some calls for unity, however, devolved quickly into a more typical and freewheeling Trump speech dwelling on perceived grievances.

From BBC

Related Words

• autonomous
• nonpartisan
• self-contained
• self-governing
• self-reliant
• self-sufficient