Synonyms of emancipate

emancipate

verb

i-ˈman(t)-sə-ˌpāt 

as in to liberate

to set free (as from slavery or confinement)

under the cover of darkness animal rights activists emancipated the inhabitants of the mink ranch

Synonyms & Similar Words

• liberate
• free
• release
• rescue
• enfranchise
• save
• loosen
• manumit
• unbind
• enlarge
• unfetter
• unchain
• loose
• discharge
• turn loose
• uncage
• spring
• disenthrall
• extricate
• disenthral
• redeem
• disengage
• ransom
• parole
• bail (out)
• disentangle
• deliver
• disencumber
• unshackle
• disembarrass

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• restrain
• confine
• bind
• fetter
• shackle
• enchain
• jail
• imprison
• commit
• handcuff
• incarcerate
• enslave
• subjugate
• lock (up)
• conquer
• subdue
• intern
• manacle
• trammel
• immure

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

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