EMANCIPATE Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'emancipate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of emancipate are free , liberate , manumit , and release . While all these words mean "to set loose from restraint or constraint," emancipate implies the liberation of a person from subjection or domination. // labor-saving devices emancipated us from household drudgery

Q: When might 'free' be a better fit than 'emancipate'?

While the synonyms free and emancipate are close in meaning, free implies a usually permanent removal from whatever binds, confines, entangles, or oppresses. // freed the animals from their cages

Q: In what contexts can 'liberate' take the place of 'emancipate'?

The meanings of liberate and emancipate largely overlap; however, liberate stresses particularly the resulting state of liberty. // liberated their country from the tyrant

Q: When could 'manumit' be used to replace 'emancipate'?

The words manumit and emancipate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, manumit implies emancipation from slavery. // the document manumitted the slaves

Q: When would 'release' be a good substitute for 'emancipate'?

In some situations, the words release and emancipate are roughly equivalent. However, release suggests a setting loose from confinement, restraint, or a state of pressure or tension, often without implication of permanent liberation. // released his anger on a punching bag

emancipate

verb

i-ˈman(t)-sə-ˌpāt

Definition of emancipate next

as in to liberate

to set free (as from slavery or confinement) under the cover of darkness animal rights activists emancipated the inhabitants of the mink ranch

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How does the verb emancipate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of emancipate are free, liberate, manumit, and release. While all these words mean "to set loose from restraint or constraint," emancipate implies the liberation of a person from subjection or domination.

labor-saving devices emancipated us from household drudgery

When might free be a better fit than emancipate?

While the synonyms free and emancipate are close in meaning, free implies a usually permanent removal from whatever binds, confines, entangles, or oppresses.

freed the animals from their cages

In what contexts can liberate take the place of emancipate?

The meanings of liberate and emancipate largely overlap; however, liberate stresses particularly the resulting state of liberty.

liberated their country from the tyrant

When could manumit be used to replace emancipate?

The words manumit and emancipate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, manumit implies emancipation from slavery.

the document manumitted the slaves

When would release be a good substitute for emancipate?

In some situations, the words release and emancipate are roughly equivalent. However, release suggests a setting loose from confinement, restraint, or a state of pressure or tension, often without implication of permanent liberation.

released his anger on a punching bag

Examples 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 emancipate Additionally, a few months before this vote, the War Department had opened enlistment to the enslaved Americans in the state, and emancipated those who did so. —

Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 3 Nov. 2024 During Hispanic Heritage Month, the anniversary of the independence of several Latin American countries that emancipated themselves from the Spanish monarchy is celebrated. —

Paula Soria, The Arizona Republic, 15 Sep. 2024 France was the first European country to emancipate the Jewish people, during the French Revolution, and Jewish street names and quarters can be found across the country. —

Colette Davidson, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Oct. 2024 Founded in 1865, the Freedmen’s Bureau provided aid to recently emancipated slaves. —

TIME, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for emancipate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for emancipate

Verb

Unlike technology companies that work to ensnare (and monetize) our attention, Foreman entrapped our bodies only to liberate our minds.

Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
With the help of Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburne) and a band of survivors who have managed to escape the program, Neo must liberate humanity from an army of robots who are using them as organic batteries.

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025