release

Definition of releasenext
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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 Hamilton was released shortly after her arrest, while Murphy remained in federal custody on Friday. Domingo Ramirez Jr, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026 The identities of the victims are yet to be publicly released. Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026 The dead man’s identity wasn’t immediately released. Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026 The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released the identities of those involved. Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for release
Recent Examples of Synonyms for release
Verb
  • The demolition of McKim Mead and White’s masterpiece unleashed the preservation movement and a multigenerational tide of nostalgia, which should rightly get refracted into any new design.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026
  • The Angels unleashed five games’ worth of frustration on the Dodgers.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • The second season finale saw Deborah fire Ava to free her up to be her own person and chase her career, only for the two to boomerang back together.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 May 2026
  • Orbit Robotics says its mission isn't to replace astronauts but to free them.
    Omar Kardoudi May 29, New Atlas, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Secretary Hegseth seemed in his remarks to link immigration to the legacy of the D-Day landings by Allied forces who were liberating Europe from the Nazis.
    CBS News, CBS News, 7 June 2026
  • Lastly, let the full moon in Capricorn liberate you from emotional baggage.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
Verb
  • Sennott, 30, appeared alongside Hacks star Hannah Einbinder, Saturday Night Live cast member Ashley Padilla, Keke Palmer, and Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson on The Hollywood Reporter's Comedy Actresses Roundtable.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
  • Massive drills of Russia’s nuclear forces earlier this month and a series of belligerent statements from Moscow warning Kyiv’s European allies about possible retaliation for what the Kremlin cast as their involvement in Ukrainian drone attacks have underlined Putin’s intention to up the ante.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • The pair announced their engagement in August 2025, and their wedding date was revealed in April.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
  • The company behind several iconic series announced its next remake in the Resident Evil franchise.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Awosika, Biadasz and Strange were key offseason free-agent signings Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz made in order to fill the gaps between Slater and Alt and better protect Herbert, who was sacked 54 times during the 2025 season, the most in any of his five previous NFL seasons.
    Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
  • And as Pulisic’s private jet made its way from Italy to New York, the club’s coach, sporting director and two other top executives were sacked.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • The bill’s passage comes as GOP leadership has become increasingly frustrated with the usage of discharge petitions, a tool that used to be rare, to take vote-scheduling power out of the hands of the majority.
    Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 9 June 2026
  • Seven Republicans joined Democrats in signing the discharge petition to get the Faster Labor Contracts Act to the House floor.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • After signing a waiver, strapping on a helmet and paying a $30 fee, audience members can ride along in the passenger seat of a professional driver’s drift car.
    Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
  • Haarberg will now be subject to waivers.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Release.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/release. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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