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

Under the ordinance approved Wednesday, the first violation would be a fine of between $1,000 to $2,500 and suspension of the tobacco license for at least 14 consecutive days. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Traditional enterprise software costs are relatively predictable because leaders can budget around licenses, seats and contracts. — Tony Jarjoura, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Verb

Kalshi is not licensed by the state Gambling Commission and is not registered to conduct business in Washington, the court order said. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026

In April, according to the Archival Producers Alliance, CNN Collection, the content licensing arm of CNN Worldwide, laid off seven of its eight licensing staff members. — Addie Morfoot, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026