release 1 of 2

Definition of releasenext
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release

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noun

1
as in discharge
a freeing from an obligation or responsibility because they had legally declared bankruptcy, they received release from their debt

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in waiver
a document containing a declaration of an intentional giving up of a right, claim, or privilege we had to sign a liability release before they'd let us go rock climbing on their property

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb release differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of release are emancipate, free, liberate, and manumit. While all these words mean "to set loose from restraint or constraint," release suggests a setting loose from confinement, restraint, or a state of pressure or tension, often without implication of permanent liberation.

released his anger on a punching bag

In what contexts can emancipate take the place of release?

The meanings of emancipate and release largely overlap; however, emancipate implies the liberation of a person from subjection or domination.

labor-saving devices emancipated us from household drudgery

When would free be a good substitute for release?

The words free and release can be used in similar contexts, but free implies a usually permanent removal from whatever binds, confines, entangles, or oppresses.

freed the animals from their cages

When might liberate be a better fit than release?

While in some cases nearly identical to release, liberate stresses particularly the resulting state of liberty.

liberated their country from the tyrant

When is manumit a more appropriate choice than release?

Although the words manumit and release have much in common, manumit implies emancipation from slavery.

the document manumitted the slaves

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 release
Verb
Officials have not released the child's age or identity, and no additional details have been made public. Anna McAllister, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Watching the body-camera footage released by police shows a woman with what looks like at least one large chef’s knife in hand while opening a glass sliding door from the single-family home’s patio. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Noun
Anthropic has accused the Chinese firm Alibaba of launching the largest attack yet attempting to clone Claude, as China races to match the capabilities of Anthropic’s leading model following Mythos’ release and subsequent restriction from foreign markets. Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 25 June 2026 The University of Warwick study could be extended to gibbons and other primates that do not fall under the great ape category, according to a release, which noted the extension could further map the evolution of vocal control. Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for release
Recent Examples of Synonyms for release
Verb
  • In the 82nd minute, Malik Tillman stepped up to a free kick on the edge of the penalty area and unleashed an absolute wonderstrike.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
  • Yamal was a thorn in Saudi Arabia’s side, drifting infield to unleash shots from distance but also peppering the penalty area with wicked deliveries from the right flank.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • For every Founding Father looking to free the colonies from British tyranny, there was a Larry (often called Lawrence here) who suggests that sharing desserts and umbrellas should be prohibited by the Declaration of Independence.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 27 June 2026
  • Such maneuvering could then potentially free the Heat from being hard-capped at the first tax apron (although still highly unlikely).
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • When the United States invaded the Philippines during the Spanish-American War, Twain naively imagined that the country would be liberated and turned into a republic.
    Ron Chernow, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
  • Automation that was meant to liberate becomes a maze of fragile scripts and blame-shifting alerts.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Since launching his menswear brand in 2015, the Mexican American designer casts the same key models repeatedly, such as Shaid Anaya, who takes breaks from his regular job as a construction workers to walk his shows.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
  • Hilton, running on a platform of affordability and lowering taxes, has seized on the sentiment, casting health coverage for immigrants without legal status as deeply unfair and a direct threat to the state’s ability to help citizens.
    Christine Mai-Duc, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Brown passed away from coronary heart disease at his Newport News, Virginia, home on June 17, his family announced on June 26 via his Facebook page.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • The invasive golden mussel has now been confirmed in the Port of West Sacramento, marking the species' northernmost detection in California since it was first discovered in Stockton in 2024, wildlife officials announced Saturday.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • That came in the spring of 2025, about 11 months after his dad had been sacked as coach, when Pochettino, the new manager, gave the younger Berhalter his first national team call-up.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • To an outsider, the scene may spark a certain Schadenfreude, like an army of tiny barbarians sacking Rome.
    Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Though the artist has not promoted the brand since his discharge from the military, he has been seen wearing it at functions.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Nipple discharge, skin discoloration, changes in breast size or shape and inverted nipple are also signs to look out for.
    Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • The move will all but eliminate waivers or redshirt years for extended eligibility except for religious missions, pregnancy or active-duty military service.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
  • And Vancouver also has two goaltenders on one-way contracts, with a third talented, young goaltender who requires waivers in Nikita Tolopilo.
    Thomas Drance, New York Times, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Release.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/release. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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