as in to liberate
to set free (as from slavery or confinement)
in a way, modern labor-saving appliances enfranchised people, giving them much more leisure time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 enfranchise
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
Some other states specifically prohibit localities from enfranchising noncitizens.
—Jennifer Peltz, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025
Thus enfranchised, Hackman took on Richard Harris’ elegant killer English Bob with gusto, mixing in a bravura oratorical gavotte with ample kicks to the ribs, and summoning the Best Supporting Actor trophy.
—Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2025
After the Third Reform Act of 1884, six of 10 adult Englishmen were enfranchised.
—Geoffrey Wheatcroft, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enfranchise
Amy Sohn, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
Some other states specifically prohibit localities from enfranchising noncitizens.
—Jennifer Peltz, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025
Thus enfranchised, Hackman took on Richard Harris’ elegant killer English Bob with gusto, mixing in a bravura oratorical gavotte with ample kicks to the ribs, and summoning the Best Supporting Actor trophy.
—Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2025
After the Third Reform Act of 1884, six of 10 adult Englishmen were enfranchised.
—Geoffrey Wheatcroft, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enfranchise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enfranchise
Verb
-
As Liu tells it, the insight that liberated her didn’t have to do with skating at all.—
Natasha O'Neill,
Vanity Fair,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Chicago visitors will also see items never before displayed publicly, including a letter Anne’s father, Otto Frank, wrote in 1945, after being liberated from Auschwitz.—
Eva Remijan-Toba,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The step aims to free up Russian cargoes stranded at sea and ease supply shortages caused by the Iran war.—
SYLVIE CORBET,
Arkansas Online,
14 Mar. 2026
-
In addition to straining the CCP’s energy supply lines, eliminating the malign influence of the mullahs would free up the resources of the United States and its allies to confront Chinese aggression against Taiwan and its other neighbors.—
Michael M. Rosen,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
His administration has already promised to release the nation’s oil reserves to relieve pressure and has eased sanctions on Russian oil, to the consternation of European leaders.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, as well the Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships carrying the Marines, are based in Japan and have been in the Pacific Ocean for several days, according to images released by the military.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Colorado law ties teens to their parents unless they can get emancipated by the court.—
Fraidy Reiss,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
-
The actress would go on to struggle with addiction issues and in February 1991, emancipated herself at the age of 14.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
5 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Barcelona needed Lamine Yamal’s penalty with the last kick of the game to rescue a 1-1 draw at Newcastle in the first leg.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Two people inside the rowhome were rescued and taken to the hospital.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The 2026 Oscars truly saw the stars save their most eye-popping looks for last.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Deputies began life-saving measures and she was taken to a nearby hospital in an ambulance.—
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Enfranchise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enfranchise. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
