RELEASE Synonyms: 356 Similar and Opposite Words

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

release 1 of 2

verb

ri-ˈlēs

Definition of release next

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

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Relevance

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as in to give way (to)

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

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as in to free

to set free (as from slavery or confinement) release the prisoners immediately

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as in to liberate

to set free from entanglement or difficulty the new governor finally managed to release himself from his rash campaign promise

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as in to cast

to throw or give off an air freshener that releases a pleasing scent into the room

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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

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as in to sack

to let go from office, service, or employment they released the workers who couldn't handle the new technology

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release

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noun

as in discharge

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

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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

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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

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as in relief

reduction of or freedom from pain only sleep offered any release from the agony of the migraine

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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

Examples 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

Perry was released from prison and ultimately exonerated of all charges in 2021. —

Max Hauptman, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024 The congressional task force probing the assassination attempts against President-elect Donald Trump released its final report this week. —

Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

Noun

Lamar achieved the feat through digital-only downloads and streaming numbers, with physical releases due in early 2025. —

Thomas Smith, Billboard, 29 Nov. 2024 Smooth chip updates: AMD needs to successfully carry out its annual release cycle for AI chips. —

Paulina Likos, CNBC, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for release

Recent Examples of Synonyms for release

Verb

Now on to the good stuff: See Amy Adams unleashed as a primal mom in 'Nightbitch' With Golden Globe nominations coming Monday morning, Adams has a good shot at landing her 10th career nod in the lead musical/comedy actress category.

Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024
The hotel offers a range of engaging activities, such as paint-and-sip, where guests can unleash their creativity while sipping on drinks and soaking in the breathtaking ocean views at sunset.

Linda Konde, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2024