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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of license
Noun
The new order requires licenses for those who wish to study, export, sell, or process cannabis buds for commercial reasons. Chad De Guzman, Time, 27 June 2025 Jarred Logan, 30, was charged with felony vehicular manslaughter and two infractions: a railroad crossing violation, and driving without a license. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
Verb
Buying used physical books sidestepped licensing entirely while providing the high-quality, professionally edited text that AI models need, and destructive scanning was simply the fastest way to digitize millions of volumes. ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025 Even Netflix, which has seen huge numbers licensing Illumination movies, hasn’t seen the same results with its original animation forays. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for license
Recent Examples of Synonyms for license
Noun
  • In order to hunt on private land, hunters must have written permission, Meeker said.
    Harley Walls, Arkansas Online, 29 June 2025
  • In a culture that values logic and skepticism, magic gives us permission to be surprised.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • President Lai's Beijing-skeptic administration is expected to continue sending Taiwanese delegations overseas to shore up ties with friendly countries.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
  • Clarity in delegation creates confidence in execution.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • At a press conference, Johnson said the War Powers Act of 1973, which limits presidential military action without congressional authorization, is unconstitutional.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • Frightened for her daughter’s life, Paulina’s mother did not sign the authorization.
    Rebecca Grant June 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • This includes mini-rovers, crewed lunar rovers, and all kinds of instrumentation that will enable lunar exploration, development, and in-situ resource development.
    Space.com Staff, Space.com, 28 June 2025
  • That could enable more attentive owners to reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 40 percent over an average year of use.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • The House bill would remove Martínez López, along with fellow ANC member Jingwen Sun, from the voter rolls and from their posts on the commission.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
  • Ultimately, wildlife commissions have a responsibility to all state citizens—not simply the most vocal. FWC employs more than 2,000 full-time fish and wildlife experts, with many possessing advanced degrees.
    Chris Dorsey, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The freedom to pass on one’s beliefs to the next generation is a cornerstone of any truly pluralistic society.
    Jeffrey S. Trimbath, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2025
  • The wisdom of one MVP — and the freedom granted by Sparks coach Michael Cooper — helped ignite the greatest rookie season in WNBA history.
    Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2025
  • Cooper noted that only personal items like a purse or brief briefcase are permitted, so don’t bring rolling bags, luggage and other unapproved items.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • These are used to target you with aggressive refinancing offers, alarm system ads, or moving service promotions.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
  • These are murky waters, especially when performance, promotion, and compensation are on the line.
    David Ferrucci, Fortune, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“License.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/license. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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