Synonyms of freedom

freedom

noun

ˈfrē-dəm 

1

as in autonomy

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependence
• subjection
• dependance
• 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
• license
• authority
• power
• licence
• free hand
• run
• mandate
• dominion
• space
• mastery
• room
• sway
• grip
• command
• clutch
• hold
• range
• 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

The freedom that Ancelotti afforded Bellingham suited his marauding, off-the-cuff style, which may not mesh as easily if Alonso adopts a more structured approach. —Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 22 May 2025

His attempts to chip away at the laws of the land and our personal freedoms, and to criminalize dissent, are making our country unrecognizable. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2025

Directed by James Ponsoldt (Shrinking) and co-written by Ponsoldt and Segel, the film is described as the chilling story of one man holding the key to another’s freedom. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 12 May 2025

Supporters of the hostages expressed frustration that the Israeli leadership has not achieved their freedom while the U.S. struck its own deal with Hamas for the release of a U.S. citizen. —Hadeel Al-Shalchi, NPR, 12 May 2025