Synonym Chooser

How does the verb liberate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of liberate are emancipate, free, manumit, and release. While all these words mean "to set loose from restraint or constraint," liberate stresses particularly the resulting state of liberty.

liberated their country from the tyrant

When would emancipate be a good substitute for liberate?

In some situations, the words emancipate and liberate are roughly equivalent. However, emancipate implies the liberation of a person from subjection or domination.

labor-saving devices emancipated us from household drudgery

Where would free be a reasonable alternative to liberate?

The words free and liberate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, free implies a usually permanent removal from whatever binds, confines, entangles, or oppresses.

freed the animals from their cages

When could manumit be used to replace liberate?

The meanings of manumit and liberate largely overlap; however, manumit implies emancipation from slavery.

the document manumitted the slaves

When is it sensible to use release instead of liberate?

The words release and liberate can be used in similar contexts, but release suggests a setting loose from confinement, restraint, or a state of pressure or tension, often without implication of permanent liberation.

released his anger on a punching bag

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 liberate For nearly two decades, Govan has proselytized his vision for LACMA reborn, a place liberated from 19th-century academic thinking about the proper role and form of a civic arts institution. Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2025 Determined to liberate Panem, Katniss and her fellow rebels embark on a dangerous journey into the heart of the Capitol to save the nation from President Snow’s tyranny once and for all. Kelly Martinez Published, EW.com, 5 July 2025 Technology leaders must liberate their technology roadmap to serve the business first and technology vendors last. Rob Lamear, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 Japanese imperialist discourse in the 1930s and early 1940s often portrayed Japanese military aggression as a historic mission to liberate Asia from the European and American imperial powers that had dominated the region for centuries. Waiyee Loh, JSTOR Daily, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for liberate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberate
Verb
  • The raptor stayed on top of her, even as the woman’s partner tried to free her.
    Joshua Rapp Learn, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • And, of course, using social media less could also free up more time for parents to spend playing with their kids.
    Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly saved many lives.
    Shane Croucher John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
  • At best, the new tax break means many seniors will save some money on taxes over four years.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Maybe investigative documents, perhaps including the files Trump ordered released, can answer some of these questions.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 21 July 2025
  • Tammi made her feature directorial debut with the supernatural horror film The Wind, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2018 and was released by IFC Midnight.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Here’s how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600.
    Detroit Free Press Staff, Freep.com, 28 July 2025
  • Here’s how to claim your lottery prize All Arizona Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $100 and may redeem winnings up to $599.
    Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • Two cats, a ferret and a dog were rescued, though the dog, a German shepherd, escaped and has not been found, fire Chief David Haywood said.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • But five days later, a passing Russian freighter rescued Cavanagh and a crewmate, Deborah Scaling.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • This move reflects a broader trend of extricating the marketing function from the C-suite, as seen with Starbucks and Etsy, who also did away with their CMO positions.
    Rekha Thomas, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Crews quickly stabilized the car and extricated the lone occupant, according to Cal Fire CZU.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Abolitionists, farmers, emancipated Blacks, mechanics, prohibitionists, and populists all used fusion voting during the 19th century to make sure that their voices were heard by their fellow citizens as well as the leaders of this vast, diverse nation.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • The South American liberation leader Simón Bolívar emancipated the slave laborers who worked on his family’s estate—unlike George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
    Book Marks July 3, Literary Hub, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • McCray disengaged, but saw Corder drop to the ground.
    Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 18 July 2025
  • Moore explained to jurors that Autopilot automatically disengages if a driver fails to put hands on the wheel after receiving three audible warnings.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Liberate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liberate. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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