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

As same-day voters go to the polls for the midterm elections next week, the Supreme Court will hear a major religious liberty case over a Colorado universal preschool program with implications beyond the Centennial State. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026

And the film doesn’t let Seyfried off the hook either, forcing her to confront how her portrayal in The Dropout might have been painful for Holmes, despite clearly being fictionalized to allow for taking a few liberties with the facts. — ArsTechnica, 30 Oct. 2026

West was convicted of indecent liberties with a child involving three girls and served on the state GOP’s Plan of Organization Committee during Whatley’s time leading the party, The News & Observer reported previously. — Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2026

Montano rarely takes that liberty, but playing Tuesday in one of the biggest games in the boys soccer program’s history, the junior midfielder trusted his gut. — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing liberty

• at liberty