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

The Republican Liberty Caucus of Texas, which had a representative at the meeting, put out a statement saying the surveillance is a threat to constitutional liberties. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026

For many, the Obama presidency felt like a time when America’s founding principles of equality and liberty for all were finally being realized. — Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026

Will County Board member Mark Revis, a Plainfield Republican, said there are alternative ways officers can solve crimes that don’t erode the public’s liberty. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Working outside the glossy magazines allows for certain liberties. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing liberty

• at liberty