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 America has stronger protections for speech, better safeguards for religious liberty, and more robust shields for conscience than anywhere else — and, better still, those protections are chiseled into our foundational law. The Editors, National Review, 18 Feb. 2025 Amber waves of grain, liberty and justice for all, the only wealthy nation on earth without federally mandated paid sick leave. Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2025 White liberty was thus constructed as something supported by Black slavery. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 29 Mar. 2025 What is clear, however, is that many of his promises conflict with laws written to protect liberty, equality, and the rule of law. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liberty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberty
Noun
  • Maintaining oral health is not a choice, but a necessity for our overall well-being.
    Khloe Quill, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The committee is now in the final stage of the selection process for the new child advocate and will send three finalists’ names to the governor, who will make the final choice.
    Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Their expertise and training usually have their roots in Western, individualistic contexts, steeping them in ideals such as autonomy, empowerment, egalitarianism, and authenticity.
    David Livermore, Harvard Business Review, 9 Apr. 2025
  • These situations provide excellent opportunities for the other to have complete autonomy over the decisions.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This foldable tripod chair, $33, is a great option and fulfills these requirements.
    Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But top online sportsbook BetOnline offers Masters Props and specials with group betting options on golfers by country, former Masters champions, top LIV Golfer along with top left-handed golfer, with odds below along with (odds) to win the Masters.
    Jay Ginsbach, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea and has accused the Philippines—a U.S. treaty ally—of acting as a proxy in American efforts to contain its influence.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
  • They were met by thousands of U.S. protesters, and a symbolic call for sovereignty turned into a bloody clash, sparking yearslong discussions about how Panama could take over the canal.
    Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In question was whether Bob Jones' discriminatory policy was protected by its right to religious freedom, because the school claimed the Bible prohibited race-mixing.
    Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
  • According to legend, when the Spanish invaded, some Muisca chose to leap from the waterfall rather than surrender, believing they would be transformed into condors, soaring to freedom.
    Josh Rivera, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Parents say private or homeschool is the only way to avoid conflict with religion After various teachers, administrators and parents raised concerns about the effectiveness and age-appropriateness of the books, the school system allowed students to be excused when they were read in class.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Southern interior designers know that there are many different ways to enjoy nice china that don't involve dining.
    Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • That independence gives them the freedom to move fast, speak honestly, and take creative risks that traditional retailers might avoid.
    Catherine Erdly, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The manager leads on a wide range of complex duties requiring a high degree of independence and discretionary judgment.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 2025.

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