Synonyms of liberty

liberty

noun

ˈli-bər-tē 

1

as in choice

the power, right, or opportunity to choose

he doesn't want to go to the sales conference, but he doesn't have that liberty

Synonyms & Similar Words

• choice
• option
• preference
• way
• alternative
• discretion
• election
• volition
• selection
• pick
• vote
• druthers
• determination
• will
• voice
• free will
• say
• liking
• inclination
• tendency
• predilection
• partiality
• penchant
• judgment
• propensity
• judgement
• proclivity
• discernment
• perspicacity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• force
• coercion
• duty
• obligation
• duress
• Hobson's choice

2

as in autonomy

the state of being free from the control or power of another

the hope that the country's first-ever elections will usher in a new era of liberty and respect for the rule of law

Synonyms & Similar Words

• autonomy
• sovereignty
• freedom
• independence
• independency
• liberation
• emancipation
• self-government
• self-governance
• self-determination
• sovranty
• manumission
• enfranchisement
• release

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependence
• subjection
• dependance
• unfreedom
• imprisonment
• heteronomy
• subjugation
• enslavement
• captivity
• incarceration
• internment
• enchainment
• immurement

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

Recent Examples of liberty

An obvious example is the way many former friends of freedom supported the PATRIOT Act and other infringements on liberty following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. —Ron Paul, Oc Register, 19 June 2025

This T-shirt is for the patriot who values the core ideals of the Declaration of Independence: Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. —Caitlyn Martyn May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025

Bezos also mentioned free markets and personal liberties when describing the section’s new mandate, which drew backlash from some staffers — including from Marty Baron, the Post’s revered former executive editor under whom the outlet won 11 Pulitzer Prizes — and praise from some conservatives. —Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 11 June 2025

Just a few examples include: Disregarding the fundamental right guaranteed in our founding documents that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness belong to all people and cannot be taken away without a fair hearing. Taking food out of the mouths of our neediest hungry children. —Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025

Phrases Containing liberty

• at liberty