license 1 of 2

variants or licence

license

2 of 2

verb

variants also licence

Synonym Chooser

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

The words freedom and liberty are common synonyms of license. While all three words mean "the power or condition of acting without compulsion," license implies freedom specially granted or conceded and may connote an abuse of freedom.

freedom without responsibility may degenerate into license

Where would freedom be a reasonable alternative to license?

Although the words freedom and license have much in common, 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 liberty instead of license?

The synonyms liberty and license are sometimes interchangeable, but liberty suggests release from former restraint or compulsion.

the released prisoner had difficulty adjusting to his new liberty

Examples of license in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Revenue from issuing gambling licenses supports early childhood literary programs at public elementary schools. Emma Whitford, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 The misclassification of voters from federal-only to full-ballot voters was blamed on a glitch in state databases involving drivers' licenses and the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 2 Nov. 2024
Verb
Additionally, starting in 2027, the U.S. rights to live-action films from the studio will also be licensed onto the service no later than eight months following theatrical release after the premium video on-demand window and following an initial four-month streaming release onto Peacock. Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Oct. 2024 Netflix will license the rights to Universal’s full animation and live-action film slate in some of those future windows. Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for license 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for license
Noun
  • This is kind of what Meta is now letting military contractors do with Llama in the U.S., only without its permission.
    David Meyer, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
  • America has to negotiate permissions with receiving countries.
    Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Hamas official Osama Hamdan told al-Mayadeen TV network that the delegation visited Cairo to hear the Egyptian mediators' ideas, but stressed there is no change in the group's position regarding the deal.
    Barak Ravid, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024
  • Over the summer, 32 LAPD reserve officers and a supervisor traveled to Paris as part of the Olympic delegation to work at event sites across the country, under the supervision of the French national police and the Gendarmerie.
    Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Yes, but: The union is hoping the strike authorization serves as a wake-up call for the UC system and that their next bargaining sessions will help avoid strike activity.
    Shawna Chen, Axios, 2 Nov. 2024
  • Critics say increasing insurers' control of the program would trap consumers in health plans that are costlier to taxpayers and that can restrict their care, including by imposing onerous prior authorization requirements for some procedures.
    Stephanie Armour | KFF Health News, ABC News, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • This also enables her husband to work, too, but there’s a catch (at least in OP’s mind).
    Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Open models also enable greater transparency and accountability.
    Tharin Pillay, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • This year’s shows demonstrated the fruits of the commission’s three-year investment in nurturing local talent through the Saudi 100 program, a mentorship and training initiative.
    Ritu Upadhyay, WWD, 29 Oct. 2024
  • What’s the ballot: Continue a dedicated funding stream for the Washoe County Library System or give the county commission more oversight of library programs.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Bizarre cultural norms The Democratic Party at its best stands for fairness and freedom.
    Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • But amid the stories of destruction and despair, the film also promises a vision of a better world, of a future where Israelis and Palestinians, like the directors of this documentary, can work together towards justice and freedom.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Conclusion Unfortunately, space limitations don’t permit further discussion on some other new technologies.
    John Clemons, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
  • Under the amendment, adults 21 and up would be permitted to possess up to three ounces of marijuana and up to five ounces in the form of marijuana concentrate.
    Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • What is claimed to be the world’s largest-ever fashion rental pop-up has opened in London’s West End as part of a promotion by city authorities to rejuvenate the U.K. capital’s retail heart.
    Mark Faithfull, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
  • The promotion includes the choice of either Popeyes’ new ghost pepper sandwich, the classic or spicy sandwich.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near license

Cite this Entry

“License.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/license. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on license

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