Synonym Chooser

How is the word liberty different from other nouns like it?

The words freedom and license are common synonyms of liberty. While all three words mean "the power or condition of acting without compulsion," liberty suggests release from former restraint or compulsion.

the released prisoner had difficulty adjusting to his new liberty

When could freedom be used to replace liberty?

In some situations, the words freedom and liberty are roughly equivalent. However, freedom has a broad range of application from total absence of restraint to merely a sense of not being unduly hampered or frustrated.

freedom of the press

When is it sensible to use license instead of liberty?

Although the words license and liberty have much in common, license implies freedom specially granted or conceded and may connote an abuse of freedom.

freedom without responsibility may degenerate into license

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of liberty These reforms redraw the boundary between state power and individual liberty—reaffirming that agencies serve the people, not the other way around. Jon Riches, Oc Register, 27 June 2025 The Jewish state must issue clear and consistent guidance that supports the Iranian people's struggle for liberty. Felice Friedson, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 The Lake County Board of County Commissioners will commemorate the colonial patriots who fought for freedom by dedicating a liberty tree at 9 a.m. June 30 at Lake County Fire Rescue Station 39, 24815 Wallick Road, Sorrento. Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025 But the West Virginians were certainly seceding in favor of the spirit of the Constitution and the aims of the Declaration of Independence: indivisible union and the liberty of its people, even those held as slaves at that moment. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for liberty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberty
Noun
  • But, for a minimalist, display-worthy option, this one’s a great choice.
    Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
  • Its delightfully airy open floor plan was a bold choice when it was completed, at a time when contemporary house design favored a maze of walls and rooms.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • This enables autonomy while still engaging collaboration and cohesion.
    Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Founded in 2011, the foundation has become one of the largest organizations in the world dedicated to promoting females’ safety and social and economic autonomy, according to Chanel.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The combination of limited production capacity and expensive weapons sometimes constrained the government’s options.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • The Colorado college town beat out Cincinnati and Salt Lake City after the festival brass started exploring relocation options in 2024, with Boulder chosen for its mountain views reminiscent of Park City’s own as well as its vibrant arts community.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The East Asian neighbors have two ongoing disputes in the East China Sea: one over the sovereignty of the uninhabited Senkaku island group—administered by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing as the Diaoyu Islands—and the other over energy exploration in the region.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
  • With strong regulatory foresight and a commitment to digital sovereignty, the region is turning trust and transparency into competitive advantages.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The club have given me this bit of freedom to make a decision.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • In 18th-century slave-holding Brazil, Anna Borges fought for her freedom.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • But Boone and company could not find a way to get the ball past Rath.
    Frank Rajkowski, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
  • David’s way of wielding curiosity to get to common ground and policy that benefits the average American and the country’s leadership in the world – and his affable nature and good humor – will be sorely missed.
    Joan Michelson, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Most of the country is already engaged in grilling hot dogs and hamburgers, and hosting family and friends while celebrating America's independence on the Fourth of July.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
  • A little more than a week later, the Smithsonian asserts its independence and throws its support behind its secretary Lonnie G. Bunch.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • This visit was very important signal for our partners that Kyiv, much more safety right now, and also very important signal that Great Britain stay together with Ukraine, support Ukraine -- support our country in the fight for our freedom, for our independency.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2022
  • Yet the careful reader will appreciate the significance of the Puritan Cromwell’s independency.
    Barton Swaim, WSJ, 27 Dec. 2021

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Cite this Entry

“Liberty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liberty. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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