Synonyms of license

license 1 of 2

noun

ˈlī-sᵊn(t)s 

variants or licence

1

as in permission

the approval by someone in authority for the doing of something

the company is seeking license to operate several more power plants in the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

• permission
• authorization
• consent
• granting
• permit
• sanction
• warrant
• clearance
• signature
• allowance
• accreditation
• certification
• leave
• green light
• grant
• concurrence
• sufferance
• seal
• agreement
• stamp
• patent
• liberty
• acceptance
• pass
• tolerance
• imprimatur
• concession
• assent
• toleration
• acquiescence
• OK
• accord

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prohibition
• refusal
• revocation
• denial
• rejection
• injunction
• veto
• suppression
• exclusion
• interdiction
• proscription
• repression
• ban
• deterrence
• embargo
• taboo
• discouragement

2

as in accreditation

the granting of power to perform various acts or duties

a restaurant owner has to get a license to serve food and drink

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accreditation
• mandate
• authorization
• commission
• empowerment
• delegation
• promotion
• directing
• consignment
• facilitation
• entrustment
• commanding
• commendation
• ordering
• fostering

3

as in authorization

the right to act or move freely

military commanders on the ground must be granted considerable license, as wars cannot be micromanaged by people back in Washington

Synonyms & Similar Words

• authorization
• latitude
• freedom
• control
• authority
• power
• mandate
• free hand
• run
• dominion
• mastery
• room
• clutch
• command
• space
• sway
• grip
• hold
• range
• carte blanche
• blank check

license

2 of 2

verb

variants also licence

as in to enable

to give official or legal power to

a state statute licenses county sheriffs to choose their own deputies

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enable
• authorize
• permit
• qualify
• empower
• charter
• warrant
• certify
• vest
• entitle
• invest
• allow
• commission
• accredit
• approve
• sanction
• endorse
• install
• validate
• confirm
• credential
• privilege
• OK
• affirm
• initiate
• let
• inaugurate
• instate
• induct
• swear in
• clear
• enfranchise

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disqualify
• prevent
• deny
• exclude
• stop
• ban
• bar
• shut out
• block
• discourage
• inhibit
• hinder
• hold back
• impede
• disallow
• constrain
• prohibit
• obstruct
• veto
• forbid
• enjoin
• outlaw
• disbar
• disenfranchise
• disfranchise
• proscribe
• interdict

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of license

Noun

State medical licensing records in both Michigan and New York do not show Abdul el Sayed ever holding a physician’s license in either state, according to a new report from Politico. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 12 May 2026

Shoemaker said a gunman who was not Young was responsible for the transfers and for sharing the image of Vega’s license. —Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 12 May 2026

Verb

Angus Scott also said ChatGPT acted as a medical doctor in its exchanges with his stepson, even though it was not licensed to offer medical advice. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 12 May 2026

The agency’s disciplinary process is unique among licensing bodies in California in how much is kept secret, Fitzhugh said. —Holly McDede, ProPublica, 12 May 2026