FREEDOM Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'freedom' different from other nouns like it?

The words liberty and license are common synonyms of freedom . While all three words mean "the power or condition of acting without compulsion," 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

Q: When could 'liberty' be used to replace 'freedom'?

In some situations, the words liberty and freedom are roughly equivalent. However, liberty suggests release from former restraint or compulsion. // the released prisoner had difficulty adjusting to his new liberty

Q: In what contexts can 'license' take the place of 'freedom'?

While in some cases nearly identical to freedom , license implies freedom specially granted or conceded and may connote an abuse of freedom. // freedom without responsibility may degenerate into license

freedom

noun

ˈfrē-dəm

Definition of freedom

as in independence

the state of being free from the control or power of another we owe our freedom to the untold numbers of soldiers who have fought in our nation's wars since its founding

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in latitude

the right to act or move freely as special guests of the owners, the youngsters had full freedom of the resort and its private beach

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word freedom different from other nouns like it?

The words liberty and license are common synonyms of freedom. While all three words mean "the power or condition of acting without compulsion," 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 could liberty be used to replace freedom?

In some situations, the words liberty and freedom are roughly equivalent. However, liberty suggests release from former restraint or compulsion.

the released prisoner had difficulty adjusting to his new liberty

In what contexts can license take the place of freedom?

While in some cases nearly identical to freedom, license implies freedom specially granted or conceded and may connote an abuse of freedom.

freedom without responsibility may degenerate into license

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 freedom Between philosophy and flesh, jealousy and freedom, spring unfolds as a restless search for love, nature, and the fragile ethics of attachment. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 July 2026 Gino Colaussi, Italy vs Hungary, 1938 Just six minutes in, Colaussi has the freedom of the Stade Olympique de Colombes to half-volley past Antal Szabo from six yards from a deep cross. — Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026 While primarily in place for accessibility purposes, this feature can make your flight more comfortable by giving you extra freedom of movement. — Lindsey Campbell, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026 Upon waking, King Ju-sang grants Gu-cheon freedom from the palace. — Kayti Burt, Time, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for freedom

Recent Examples of Synonyms for freedom

Noun

One of the clearest examples of this promise is assistive robotics, where technology is being used to expand independence for people with disabilities.

— Laila Burns, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
There are hills to die on for Notre Dame fans, like academics, independence, history, etc.

— Pete Sampson, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of independence

Noun

That could again bring aurora to northerly latitudes, although the timing and strength of any CME impact remain uncertain.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
At my latitude, the northern horizon glows all evening in early-to-mid July like somebody forgot to turn the sun off completely.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of latitude

Noun

In June, the European Commission unveiled its most comprehensive initiative yet to strengthen the bloc’s technological sovereignty.

— Lidia Kurasinska, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government is demanding that the US clarify the conditions under which the arrest occurred, alleging a possible violation of national sovereignty.

— Sol Amaya, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Definition of sovereignty

Noun

Volvo was recently given an authorization by the Commerce Department to continue doing business in the States despite being owned by Chinese conglomerate Geely; its sister brand Polestar was strangely not so lucky.

— Adam Ismail, The Drive, 16 July 2026
The impending removal of deportation protections and work authorization under Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants has worried many in South Florida.

— Austin Horn July 16, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

Definition of authorization

Noun

Yet the careful reader will appreciate the significance of the Puritan Cromwell’s independency.

— Barton Swaim, WSJ, 27 Dec. 2021
His seemingly daily attacks on freedom of speech, the independency of the judiciary, the right to vote and other pillars of our constitutional system are bolstered by an intensely loyal fan base.

— Christopher Ingraham, Washington Post, 29 Oct. 2020

Definition of independency

Noun

His ability to implement policies aimed at boosting economic growth — such as reindustrialization, building more social housing and taking greater public control of utilities — will also be severely constrained by weak government finances.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
In an increasingly unpredictable business environment, executives seek control over their biology through peptides, promising faster recovery and improved performance.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of control

Noun

Once that classroom discussion begins, academics will surely have some more words for all the creative liberties Nolan’s movie takes.

— Antonio Ferme, Variety, 18 July 2026
For all the culture-war debates about the liberties Nolan took in his casting, his most radical deviation from the text has to do with agency and who has it.

— Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026

Definition of liberty

Noun

Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Saudi Arabia reported raising alarms or fending off Iranian attacks, as Kuwait said another power and water desalination plant was hit.

— Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
The strikes injured several people at the oil facility and caused a fire at the desalination plant, forcing several power generation units offline.

— Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 18 July 2026

Definition of power

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freedmen

freedom

freedoms

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“Freedom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freedom. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of freedom

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