Thesaurus

license

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

noun

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variants: or licence

Synonyms & Antonyms of license

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 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 for license

Words Related to license

liberty,
pass

accord,
grant

Near Antonyms for license

taboo
(also tabu)

Antonyms for license

2 the granting of power to perform various acts or duties

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

Synonyms for license

Words Related to license

3 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 for license

Words Related to license

license

verb

variants: also licence

Synonyms & Antonyms of license (Entry 2 of 2)

to give official or legal power to

a state statute licenses county sheriffs to choose their own deputies

Synonyms for license

Words Related to license

Near Antonyms for license

Antonyms for license

disqualify

Frequently Asked Questions About license

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