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

Their experiences became defining examples of how sports, politics, public health, and individual liberty intersected during one of the most polarizing periods in modern sports history. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2026

His ideology was shaped by a combination of conservative principles, a belief in democracy and a commitment to defending freedom and liberty. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026

The Tribune Editorial Board decries the socialist positions as an attack on liberty. — Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

What games get right Despite their liberties, space cleanup games do hit the mark in a number of areas. — Alan Bradley, Space.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing liberty

• at liberty