freeway
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for freeway, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A major road designed for fast traffic, with no intersections or traffic lights.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From "free" plus "way," originally referring to a toll-free highway.
Full origin of freeway →Frequently asked questions
What does “freeway” mean?
The word “freeway” means a major road designed for fast traffic, with no intersections or traffic lights. In plain terms, a large, high-speed road with no stop signs or traffic lights, usually American English.
How do you pronounce “freeway”?
“Freeway” is pronounced FRIHY-wehy (/ˈfɹiː.weɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “freeway” in a sentence?
Here is “freeway” used in a sentence: “Traffic on the freeway was backed up for miles during rush hour.”
What part of speech is “freeway”?
“Freeway” is a noun.
Is “freeway” a common word?
“Freeway” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a freeway and a highway?
Freeway refers specifically to a major road built for fast, uninterrupted traffic, with no intersections or traffic lights. Highway is a broader term for any major public road connecting towns or cities, which may or may not have the controlled access that defines a freeway.
What is the difference between a freeway and a motorway?
Freeway and motorway describe the same type of controlled-access, high-speed road; freeway is the term used mainly in American English, while motorway is standard in British English. Both refer to roads designed with no intersections or traffic lights.
Why is it called a freeway?
A freeway is designed to keep traffic moving freely, without stopping at intersections or traffic lights, which is where the name comes from. This uninterrupted design is the key feature that distinguishes it from ordinary roads.