Synonyms of liberty

liberty

noun

ˈli-bər-tē 

1

as in choice

the power, right, or opportunity to choose

he doesn't want to go to the sales conference, but he doesn't have that liberty

Synonyms & Similar Words

• choice
• option
• preference
• way
• alternative
• discretion
• election
• volition
• selection
• pick
• vote
• druthers
• determination
• will
• voice
• free will
• say
• liking
• inclination
• tendency
• predilection
• partiality
• penchant
• judgment
• propensity
• judgement
• proclivity
• discernment
• perspicacity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• force
• coercion
• duty
• obligation
• duress
• Hobson's choice

2

as in autonomy

the state of being free from the control or power of another

the hope that the country's first-ever elections will usher in a new era of liberty and respect for the rule of law

Synonyms & Similar Words

• autonomy
• sovereignty
• freedom
• independence
• independency
• liberation
• emancipation
• self-government
• self-governance
• self-determination
• sovranty
• manumission
• enfranchisement
• release

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependence
• subjection
• dependance
• unfreedom
• imprisonment
• heteronomy
• subjugation
• enslavement
• captivity
• incarceration
• internment
• enchainment
• immurement

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

Examples of liberty in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Once again, a key issue of personal liberty could be relegated to each state to decide. —Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial, The Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2024

Across four sessions of Parliament, the Wentworth brothers campaigned ceaselessly for the liberty of free speech in the Commons. —Elizabeth Tunstall, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 July 2024

Schurmann’s film takes its most liberties in its final act, turning Dindim’s virality into an excuse for far more dramatic twists and turns (few of which actually happened), which help drive the film to a movie-ready ending that might be fake in its narrative but feels utterly real in its emotion. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 16 Aug. 2024

Perfumers use synthetic and natural accords to create a spirited aroma, taking artistic liberty to realize their fragrant cocktail. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2024

Phrases Containing liberty

• at liberty