Synonyms of freedom

freedom

noun

ˈfrē-dəm 

1

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

• independence
• sovereignty
• liberty
• liberation
• independency
• autonomy
• emancipation
• self-determination
• self-governance
• self-government
• manumission
• enfranchisement
• release

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependence
• subjection
• unfreedom
• imprisonment
• heteronomy
• captivity
• subjugation
• enslavement
• incarceration
• internment
• enchainment
• immurement

2

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

• latitude
• authorization
• control
• power
• license
• authority
• free hand
• mandate
• run
• dominion
• space
• mastery
• room
• sway
• grip
• command
• clutch
• range
• hold
• carte blanche
• blank check

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of freedom

Emery and Jarrell pointed to the creative freedom of audio drama as key to production. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026

Starting in the 1960s, at a time when women were largely limited to domestic roles, Steinem challenged gender stereotypes and championed feminist ideals like equality, sisterhood and reproductive freedom. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026

The experience sharpened her understanding of the gap between the freedoms advertised to women and those actually available to them. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 3 Sep. 2026

Amid a national surge in habeas petitions, federal courts in Mississippi and Louisiana have typically taken three months or more to rule on detainees’ freedom. — Carla Astudillo, ProPublica, 3 Sep. 2026