liberate

verb

ˈli-bə-ˌrāt How to pronounce liberate (audio)
Definition of liberatenext
1
as in to free
to set free (as from slavery or confinement) the animal rightists snuck into the laboratory in the middle of the night to liberate all of the monkeys

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to save
to set free from entanglement or difficulty we were liberated from our financial woes when we hit the grand prize in the lottery

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb liberate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of liberate are emancipate, free, manumit, and release. While all these words mean "to set loose from restraint or constraint," liberate stresses particularly the resulting state of liberty.

liberated their country from the tyrant

When would emancipate be a good substitute for liberate?

In some situations, the words emancipate and liberate are roughly equivalent. However, emancipate implies the liberation of a person from subjection or domination.

labor-saving devices emancipated us from household drudgery

Where would free be a reasonable alternative to liberate?

The words free and liberate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, free implies a usually permanent removal from whatever binds, confines, entangles, or oppresses.

freed the animals from their cages

When could manumit be used to replace liberate?

The meanings of manumit and liberate largely overlap; however, manumit implies emancipation from slavery.

the document manumitted the slaves

When is it sensible to use release instead of liberate?

The words release and liberate can be used in similar contexts, but 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

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 liberate Having that subset of Marvel characters has liberated Feige to take even bigger swings within the MCU. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 20 July 2025 In his hands, music appreciation has been liberated from boredom. —David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025 His home was filled with books, art and archives, reflecting his belief in the power of knowledge to liberate and uplift. —Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025 Women were liberated to work and contribute during the war and then were basically told to get back behind the stove. —Jenelle Riley, Variety, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for liberate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberate
  1. free
  2. save
  3. release
  4. redeem
  5. rescue
  6. extricate
  7. emancipate
  8. disengage
Verb
  • The raptor stayed on top of her, even as the woman’s partner tried to free her.
    — Joshua Rapp Learn, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • And, of course, using social media less could also free up more time for parents to spend playing with their kids.
    — Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
Definition of free
Verb
  • Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly saved many lives.
    — Shane Croucher John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
  • For more ways to save on your power bill or to see if opting out makes sense for your budget, visit Cyberguy.com/SaveonPower 7) Monitor comfort and performance Keep an eye on how your AC performs during demand events.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of save
Verb
  • In the '90s and early aughts, Seely released several more solo albums, including a Christmas album in 1994 called Number One Christmas.
    — Lauren Huff Published, EW.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • American Eagle released a campaign starring the exceedingly charismatic actress Sydney Sweeney.
    — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2025
Definition of release
Verb
  • Here’s how to claim your lottery prize All Arizona Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $100 and may redeem winnings up to $599.
    — Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 28 July 2025
  • Here’s how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600.
    — Detroit Free Press Staff, Freep.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of redeem
Verb
  • Two cats, a ferret and a dog were rescued, though the dog, a German shepherd, escaped and has not been found, fire Chief David Haywood said.
    — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Shaunna’s 11-year-old daughter was rescued from the water during the incident.
    — Raven Brunner, People.com, 13 July 2025
Definition of rescue
Verb
  • The 911 calls released by authorities reveal how neighbors frantically tried to extricate a family of four out of plane that crashed into a tree into a Pembroke Pines neighborhood Sunday night.
    — Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 16 July 2025
  • The machine was then rolled into the center's post office so emergency crews could work to extricate the boy.
    — Hailey Roden, The Enquirer, 12 July 2025
Definition of extricate
Verb
  • Abolitionists, farmers, emancipated Blacks, mechanics, prohibitionists, and populists all used fusion voting during the 19th century to make sure that their voices were heard by their fellow citizens as well as the leaders of this vast, diverse nation.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • The South American liberation leader Simón Bolívar emancipated the slave laborers who worked on his family’s estate—unlike George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
    — Book Marks July 3, Literary Hub, 3 July 2025
Definition of emancipate
Verb
  • Moore explained to jurors that Autopilot automatically disengages if a driver fails to put hands on the wheel after receiving three audible warnings.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 18 July 2025
  • McCray disengaged, but saw Corder drop to the ground.
    — Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 18 July 2025
Definition of disengage

Browse Nearby Words

liberals
liberate
liberated
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Cite this Entry

“Liberate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liberate. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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