Thesaurus

release

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of release

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to set free (from a state of being held in check)

the losing player released his anger with a great yell of frustration

Synonyms for release

Words Related to release

Phrases Synonymous with release

let go

Near Antonyms for release

halter,
hamper

Antonyms for release

2 to find emotional release for

tried to find other ways of releasing tension than by chewing her fingernails

Synonyms for release

Words Related to release

act out

Phrases Synonymous with release

give way (to)

Near Antonyms for release

Antonyms for release

3 to set free (as from slavery or confinement)

release the prisoners immediately

Synonyms for release

Words Related to release

unshackle

Phrases Synonymous with release

turn loose

Near Antonyms for release

Antonyms for release

4 to set free from entanglement or difficulty

the new governor finally managed to release himself from his rash campaign promise

Synonyms for release

Words Related to release

Phrases Synonymous with release

cut loose

Near Antonyms for release

Antonyms for release

embroil,
entangle

5 to throw or give off

an air freshener that releases a pleasing scent into the room

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Near Antonyms for release

6 to make known openly or publicly

the panel of nutritionists released their findings on the safety and effectiveness of various diets

Synonyms for release

Words Related to release

bill,
billboard,
bulletin,
gazette
[chiefly British]

disseminate,
spread

disclose,
divulge,
introduce,
kithe
[chiefly Scottish],
manifest,
report,
reveal,
show

Phrases Synonymous with release

Near Antonyms for release

7 to let go from office, service, or employment

they released the workers who couldn't handle the new technology

Synonyms for release

Words Related to release

separate

Phrases Synonymous with release

Near Antonyms for release

keep

reemploy,
rehire

recruit

Antonyms for release

release

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of release (Entry 2 of 2)

1 a freeing from an obligation or responsibility

because they had legally declared bankruptcy, they received release from their debt

Synonyms for release

Words Related to release

2 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 for release

Words Related to release

3 a published statement informing the public of a matter of general interest

a press release announcing that the governor would not run for a second term

Synonyms for release

Words Related to release

4 reduction of or freedom from pain

only sleep offered any release from the agony of the migraine

Synonyms for release

Words Related to release

Near Antonyms for release

discomfort,
unrest

Frequently Asked Questions About release

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