Synonym Chooser

How does the verb emancipate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of emancipate are free, liberate, manumit, and release. While all these words mean "to set loose from restraint or constraint," emancipate implies the liberation of a person from subjection or domination.

labor-saving devices emancipated us from household drudgery

When might free be a better fit than emancipate?

While the synonyms free and emancipate are close in meaning, free implies a usually permanent removal from whatever binds, confines, entangles, or oppresses.

freed the animals from their cages

In what contexts can liberate take the place of emancipate?

The meanings of liberate and emancipate largely overlap; however, liberate stresses particularly the resulting state of liberty.

liberated their country from the tyrant

When could manumit be used to replace emancipate?

The words manumit and emancipate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, manumit implies emancipation from slavery.

the document manumitted the slaves

When would release be a good substitute for emancipate?

In some situations, the words release and emancipate are roughly equivalent. However, release suggests a setting loose from confinement, restraint, or a state of pressure or tension, often without implication of permanent liberation.

released his anger on a punching bag

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 emancipate This kept their traditions alive until their ancestors were emancipated in the 1860s. Ben Abrams, NPR, 19 June 2025 Urging Lincoln to now issue an executive order for emancipating the slaves, Sumner was firmly rebuffed. Zaakir Tameez june 11, Literary Hub, 11 June 2025 Williams joined the cast of Dawson's Creek as Jen Lindley at age 16 — just one year after she was legally emancipated and living on her own in Los Angeles. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 19 May 2025 Williams scored her breakout role at age 16 as Jen Lindley in Dawson’s Creek, shortly after becoming legally emancipated and living on her own in Los Angeles. Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for emancipate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emancipate
Verb
  • Women were liberated to work and contribute during the war and then were basically told to get back behind the stove.
    Jenelle Riley, Variety, 15 July 2025
  • This era saw the launch of a new generation of media stars liberated from any editorial authority that might submit their assertions to a fact check.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • The raptor stayed on top of her, even as the woman’s partner tried to free her.
    Joshua Rapp Learn, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • And, of course, using social media less could also free up more time for parents to spend playing with their kids.
    Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • The report was issued Sunday at 6:17 p.m., and the last update regarding this incident was released on Sunday at 6:46 p.m.
    Kansas City Star Bot Updated July 20, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2025
  • The movie may also incorporate aspects of the book sequel, Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns, which was released in 2013.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Two cats, a ferret and a dog were rescued, though the dog, a German shepherd, escaped and has not been found, fire Chief David Haywood said.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Shaunna’s 11-year-old daughter was rescued from the water during the incident.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Open primaries would enfranchise more than a million New York voters, who are disproportionately young and represent communities of color.
    John Avlon, New York Daily News, 7 July 2025
  • About a year after the infirmary team returned to the United States, the 19th Amendment became law, enfranchising 27 million women, the largest expansion of voting rights in American history.
    Amy Sohn, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly saved many lives.
    Shane Croucher John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
  • For more ways to save on your power bill or to see if opting out makes sense for your budget, visit Cyberguy.com/SaveonPower 7) Monitor comfort and performance Keep an eye on how your AC performs during demand events.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Work on resolving your insecurities and loosen the reins.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 22 July 2025
  • Amid diminishing box office returns and creative troubles, Marvel's vice-like grip on the cinematic superhero genre is loosening.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • Tubman’s father had been manumitted by his owner, but Brodess had inherited Tubman, hiring her and her siblings out to neighbors for seasonal work, whether trapping muskrats or clearing land.
    Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 24 June 2024
  • Grant would manumit his one enslaved servant, William Jones, in 1859.
    Harold Holzer, WSJ, 1 Jan. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Emancipate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emancipate. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

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