1
as in to unleash
to set free (from a state of being held in check)
the losing player released his anger with a great yell of frustration
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to give way (to)
to find emotional release for
tried to find other ways of releasing tension than by chewing her fingernails
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to free
to set free (as from slavery or confinement)
release the prisoners immediately
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to liberate
to set free from entanglement or difficulty
the new governor finally managed to release himself from his rash campaign promise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to cast
to throw or give off
an air freshener that releases a pleasing scent into the room
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to announce
to make known openly or publicly
the panel of nutritionists released their findings on the safety and effectiveness of various diets
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in to sack
to let go from office, service, or employment
they released the workers who couldn't handle the new technology
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
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
3
as in announcement
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 & Similar Words
4
as in relief
reduction of or freedom from pain
only sleep offered any release from the agony of the migraine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2026
In January 2025, the Chinese lab DeepSeek released a cheap open model and claimed it had been trained in two months for under $6 million.
—
Jon Markman,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
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
Verb
Prosecutors said his identity could now be released following the transfer to adult court.
—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2026
In January 2025, the Chinese lab DeepSeek released a cheap open model and claimed it had been trained in two months for under $6 million.
—
Jon Markman,
Forbes.com,
26 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 Tennessee, a pickup truck carrying about 1 million bees overturned near Knoxville in April, unleashing a swarm that blanketed the crash scene.
-
In contrast to missteps domestically, Starmer has won praise for his international role, notably in rallying European support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion, and working to mitigate the economic and political turmoil unleashed by the Iran conflict.
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.
-
Such maneuvering could then potentially free the Heat from being hard-capped at the first tax apron (although still highly unlikely).
Verb
-
Harvard’s research confirms that AI liberates managers from coordination and relay tasks, freeing them for judgment, contextual intelligence, and human connection that no system can replicate.
-
He is liberated from the constraints of [Republican leaders like] a Paul Ryan or a Mitch McConnell.
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.
-
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.
Verb
-
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering stepping down and could announce a timetable for his departure as early as Monday, according to a report published Saturday.
-
Pakistan has operated as a major mediator in US-Iran talks since a ceasefire was first announced.
Verb
-
He was sacked in December 2024 after winning just twice in the Premier League to begin the 2024-25 campaign.
-
The result was so emphatic that the Tunisian soccer federation acted fast, sacking manager Sabri Lamouchi just hours after.
Noun
-
Each wash cycle may seem insignificant on its own, but over time, the cumulative effect of detergent use, water discharge, and packaging waste becomes substantial.
-
This involves teaching people how to change sleep, eating and stress habits and supporting them between visits, where the real change happens, rather than handing out a pamphlet at discharge.
Noun
-
Under the law, California is able to set these stricter standards through a waiver from the EPA.
-
The plan would also eliminate fee waivers for citizenship cases, as well as a fee reduction option for immigrants whose household income is at or below 400% of the federal poverty line.
Cite this Entry
“Release.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/release. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
