license

license

noun

Definition of LICENSE

1

the approval by someone in authority for the doing of something <the company is seeking license to operate several more power plants in the state>

Synonyms allowance, authorization, clearance, concurrence, consent, granting, green light, leave, license (or licence), sanction, sufferance, warrant

Related Words imprimatur, seal, signature, stamp; accreditation, certification; liberty, pass; concession, patent, permit; tolerance, toleration; acceptance, acquiescence, agreement, assent, OK (or okay); accord, grant

Near Antonyms denial, refusal, rejection, revocation; taboo (also tabu); injunction, veto; deterrence, discouragement, repression, suppression; ban, embargo, exclusion

Antonyms interdiction, prohibition, proscription

2

the granting of power to perform various acts or duties <a restaurant owner has to get a license to serve food and drink>

Synonyms accreditation, authorization, delegation, empowerment, license (or licence), mandate

Related Words commendation, consignment, entrustment; facilitation, fostering, promotion; commanding, directing, ordering

3

the right to act or move freely <military commanders on the ground must be granted considerable license, as wars cannot be micromanaged by people back in Washington>

Synonyms authorization, free hand, latitude, license (or licence), run

Related Words authority, clutch, command, control, dominion, grip, hold, mandate, mastery, power, sway; range, room, space; blank check, carte blanche

Variants of LICENSE

license or licence