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Definitions

free lunch

ADJECTIVE
complimentary
Synonyms
WEAK
as a perk chargeless comp costless courtesy donated free of charge gratis gratuitous honorary on the house
Antonyms
WEAK
blaming censuring critical denouncing disparaging for sale insulting reproachful unflattering
NOUN
freebie
Synonyms
STRONG
gift giveaway handout
WEAK
complimentary ticket free pass

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After all, it’s called an illiquidity premium for a reason — there is no free lunch in financial markets.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

“There is no free lunch here,” argues Adam Levitin, a credit market expert at Georgetown law school.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2026

As Patti put it, "there is no free lunch" when it comes to sugar alternatives, and many metabolic pathways can ultimately lead back to liver dysfunction.

From Science Daily • Dec. 17, 2025

These results highlight that there is no such thing as a free lunch in financial markets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

At school, me and Kim get free lunch.

From "Ghost Boys" by Jewell Parker Rhodes