Synonyms of liberty

liberty

noun

ˈli-bər-tē 

1

as in choice

the power, right, or opportunity to choose

he doesn't want to go to the sales conference, but he doesn't have that liberty

Synonyms & Similar Words

• choice
• option
• preference
• way
• alternative
• discretion
• election
• volition
• selection
• pick
• vote
• druthers
• determination
• will
• voice
• free will
• say
• liking
• inclination
• tendency
• predilection
• partiality
• penchant
• judgment
• propensity
• proclivity
• discernment
• perspicacity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• force
• coercion
• duty
• obligation
• duress
• Hobson's choice

2

as in autonomy

the state of being free from the control or power of another

the hope that the country's first-ever elections will usher in a new era of liberty and respect for the rule of law

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

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

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

the released prisoner had difficulty adjusting to his new liberty

When could freedom be used to replace liberty?

In some situations, the words freedom and liberty are roughly equivalent. However, 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 is it sensible to use license instead of liberty?

Although the words license and liberty have much in common, 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 liberty

More broadly, expanding religious-liberty projections may increasingly come into tension with governmental efforts to enforce civil rights protections. — Preston Green Iii, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

As a guidebook for government, any religion is too constrictive to tolerate true liberty. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026

The book, of course, goes much more in depth into Bela’s story, but the film takes plenty of other liberties in bringing the tale to the big screen. — William Earl, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

During the French Revolution, lindens were among the tens of thousands of trees planted across the country to symbolize liberty. — Kendra Nordin Beato, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing liberty

• at liberty