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 The United States has for decades positioned itself as a beacon of liberty, fighting to protect its citizens from corrupt governments and malicious justice systems abroad. Nelson Mauricio Rauda Zablah, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Mar. 2025 As the Pledge of Allegiance asserts, our country’s aspiration is liberty and justice for all, not freedom for some to exploit and harm others. Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2025 But when my ears adjusted to the liberties that were being taken, I was really taken with the purity of Britton’s voice and the power of his big note. Charlie Mason, TVLine, 10 Mar. 2025 But the rule does give the judge the responsibility to protect a defendant's liberty from abuse through this process — in this case, Clement says, by ruling that Adams's case should be dismissed permanently, contrary to the temporary dismissal the government had sought. Michael Rothfeld, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liberty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberty
Noun
  • As manufacturers explore these new fill material options, Lenzing’s R&D and technical teams are on hand to help guide them through the right fiber choices and application suggestions.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Granted, personal choice is always best—but here are some ways to narrow down your bra selection for maximum comfort and support.
    Bianca London, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This innovation combines artificial intelligence (AI) with neuroscience, allowing a paralyzed man to manipulate a robotic arm by imagining movements, a feat that marks a significant milestone in restoring autonomy to people with severe motor impairments.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • This granted them the autonomy to explore sponsorship opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures to maximize their financial potential.
    Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • And then the studio started coming up with other options.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 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
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • This preference is more popular amongst Millennials (67%) compared to Boomers (37%).
    Gary Drenik, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2023
  • That preference was on display in August last year, when the KMT’s Hsia visited China amid lingering tensions over Pelosi’s visit.
    Bloomberg.com, Bloomberg.com, 7 Feb. 2023
Noun
  • Promoting public understanding of the principles of our freedoms is a critical component in the civic education of the citizens of the United States, Florida and each community.
    Lonnie Groot, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The tariff announcement was the latest and perhaps boldest manifestation of Trump’s second-term freedom to lead with his instincts after feeling his first turn in the Oval Office was restrained by aides who did not share his worldview.
    Steve Peoples, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Credit to Mattice for stepping up but there's nobody at 130 pounds getting in my way.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The best way to prevent type 2 diabetes is to shift toward a healthier lifestyle.
    Julia Ries, Health, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Be honest about strategic intent: If the acquisition will eventually be fully integrated, communicate this from the beginning rather than creating false expectations of independence.
    Jennifer J. Fondrevay, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The terminations marked an escalation of norm-shattering moves that have embroiled the Justice Department in turmoil and have raised alarm over a disregard for civil service protections for career lawyers and the erosion of the agency’s independence from the White House.
    Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Liberty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liberty. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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