Definition of freedomnext
1
as in independence
the state of being free from the control or power of another we owe our freedom to the untold numbers of soldiers who have fought in our nation's wars since its founding

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2
as in latitude
the right to act or move freely as special guests of the owners, the youngsters had full freedom of the resort and its private beach

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

The words liberty and license are common synonyms of freedom. While all three words mean "the power or condition of acting without compulsion," 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 could liberty be used to replace freedom?

In some situations, the words liberty and freedom are roughly equivalent. However, liberty suggests release from former restraint or compulsion.

the released prisoner had difficulty adjusting to his new liberty

In what contexts can license take the place of freedom?

While in some cases nearly identical to freedom, 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 freedom The freedom to roleplay is one aspect that sets First Light apart from other Bond games. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026 Consistent application of these strategies can lead to significant results within six months, transforming a high-revenue grind into a truly scalable business with predictable demand and greater freedom. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Her work with Chloe Bailey, a regular collaborator who gives her full creative freedom, is a perfect example. Susan Akyeampong, Allure, 27 May 2026 If Illinois can give hairstylists some freedom, thousands of hardworking entrepreneurs would get a new door to opportunity. Eric Zamparripa, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for freedom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for freedom
Noun
  • South African lawmakers chose a critic of President Cyril Ramaphosa to head an inquiry into whether the head of state should face impeachment, in a move seen as preserving the probe’s independence.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 3 June 2026
  • The overhaul sought by some GOP lawmakers has sparked fears in both states that the changes, if implemented, would threaten judicial independence and politicize the judiciary.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Geomagnetic storms can supercharge Earth's auroras, pushing them farther into mid-latitudes than usual.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 3 June 2026
  • In that announcement, Pelosi thanked San Francisco voters for giving her wide latitude to be a fearless voice in Washington.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • The governors, Alfonso Durazo of Sonora and Américo Villarreal Anaya of Tamaulipas, denied any wrongdoing and called accusations against them an attempt to undermine Mexican sovereignty.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
  • India is also pushing for AI sovereignty, spurred in part by Beijing and Washington’s tightening grip on their tech and infrastructure.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Fireworks set off without authorization in Rome reportedly triggered a mass stampede of frightened horses during a late-night rehearsal for Italy’s annual Republic Day parade, injuring multiple riders and animals.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
  • Citigroup Top pick Citigroup is up 67% over the past 12 months with more room to run, Bank of America said after CEO Jane Fraser's investor day earlier this month, which included news of a $30 billion buyback authorization.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Consequently, there was no hidden trove of economic liberty that Lynn’s acolytes could unlock with more determined regulation.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026
  • The Vatican insists that a later bull, Sublimis Deus in 1537, reaffirmed that Indigenous peoples shouldn’t be deprived of their liberty or the possession of their property, and weren’t to be enslaved.
    Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026
Noun
  • The iXi trolley uses two cameras and GPS that’s pre-loaded with maps of more than 40,000 courses to autonomously steer itself, with players able to issue commands via hand gestures or voice control.
    Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 5 June 2026
  • Finance teams gain earlier cost visibility, improving margin control and sustainability and sourcing teams can evaluate material impact, availability and waste implications.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Minimizing the importance of his own creative labor is one thing, but Schrader’s remarks read more like philosophical recklessness than individual liberation.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 31 May 2026
  • The new movie Pressure, Anthony Maras' screen adaptation of David Haig's acclaimed 2014 play, comes to the big screen in time for the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, carving out a place in the pantheon of films about the World War II liberation of Western Europe away from the action on the beaches.
    Daniel Jonah Wolpert, NPR, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Eco effort The villas are mainly run on solar power (each villa’s roof is slightly sloped to accommodate these solar panels), and the resort is single plastic-free.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • The computing power needs, the competition from Anthropic, the potential for a more business-to-business stream of revenue, the fear that all of the big institutions that own it will want to cash out, makes this one plain fraught.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Freedom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freedom. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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