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

Any hope for a safety net is gone (her mother kicked her out of the house to protect Rue’s younger sister), and the freedom promised in adulthood may be nothing more than a mirage. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2026

Scholars and religious leaders argue that Congo’s political elite should emulate Kimbangu’s spirit of personal sacrifice for freedom rather than pursuing self-enrichment at the expense of the nation’s sovereignty. —Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

One person’s lack of control, however, is another person’s creative freedom. —Francesca Cassidy, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026

Subverting Britain’s original intent for the canal system, freedom seekers used the water passage as a route to flee from the colony. —Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026