FREEDOM Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

freedom

noun

ˈfrē-dəm

Definition of freedom next

as in autonomy

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

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 freedom McCullers explores how love can liberate a community and how easily that freedom and joy can slip away. —

The Week Us, theweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Both campaigns try to turn the gap to their favor Harris has made reproductive freedom a centerpiece of her White House bid. —

Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024 Bizarre cultural norms The Democratic Party at its best stands for fairness and freedom. —

Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024 But amid the stories of destruction and despair, the film also promises a vision of a better world, of a future where Israelis and Palestinians, like the directors of this documentary, can work together towards justice and freedom. —

Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for freedom

Recent Examples of Synonyms for freedom

Noun

The implant aims to restore autonomy by allowing users to control digital devices through thought alone.

Marie Boran, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
Frame the Conversation Around Safety Emphasize how planning protects their autonomy and can help prevent injury like a fall or sudden health issue like stroke.

Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024