Definition of libertynext

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 This nonchalant maneuver enables Jefferson to extol America as the seat and refuge of liberty over and against the contradictions of the hour. Literary Hub, 15 June 2026 That Cold War replacement is not a shining example of religious liberty. David Williamson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026 The composition explores themes of freedom, liberty and gratitude, culminating with excerpts from the Declaration of Independence. Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 Nonetheless, the advertisement exemplifies the paradox of liberty and enslavement at the nation’s founding. Carolyn Zola, The Conversation, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for liberty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberty
Noun
  • Park conditions change constantly and visitors' choice of activities and level of preparedness are big factors in determining risk.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • Bad choices like that are a through-line for this whole story, all the way back to Otto Hightower encouraging his daughter, Alicent, to befriend Rhaenyra’s father, King Viserys.
    Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Lewis George, who has pledged to protect the city's autonomy, stood that ground at her post-election event where pop music blared and a crowd danced with the candidate on stage.
    CBS News, CBS News, 17 June 2026
  • Lastly, is maintaining autonomy.
    Aidan Gomez, Fortune, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Global economies have already weighed energy options beyond the Middle East, as the war in Iran has put irreversible pressure on the oil industry, according to Karen Young, a researcher at Columbia University.
    Deva Lee, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
  • For shoppers who aren’t on board with the barrel trend, this daisy print option offers a more streamlined version.
    Mia McManus, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Their legal battle for freedom and the resulting Supreme Court decision eventually ignited the Civil War.
    Reg Chapman, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • The implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation was limited in areas still under Confederate control, delaying freedom for many, particularly in Texas.
    Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • The platform learns client preferences—from aircraft type to onboard amenities to destinations—for customized use.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 18 June 2026
  • That can be fine for travelers who are flexible, but less ideal for anyone sensitive to noise or motion, or with a preference to be close to an elevator, for example.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • The agreement calls for a halt to military operations in Lebanon and for its sovereignty to be respected.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2026
  • Losing, Jose said, would be a devastating blow, not only to the Tohono O’odham, but to all future claims of Indian sovereignty.
    Geraldo L. Cadava, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • The project, the National Garden of American Heroes, is slated to feature 250 statues of historical figures from America’s past who have contributed to the nation's cultural, scientific, economic, and political heritage, commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 17 June 2026
  • The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.
    Data Skrive, New York Times, 17 June 2026
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 24 Jun. 2026.

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