liberty

noun

ˈli-bər-tē How to pronounce liberty (audio)
Definition of libertynext
1
as in choice
the power, right, or opportunity to choose he doesn't want to go to the sales conference, but he doesn't have that liberty

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in autonomy
the state of being free from the control or power of another the hope that the country's first-ever elections will usher in a new era of liberty and respect for the rule of law

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word liberty different from other nouns like it?

The words freedom and license are common synonyms of liberty. While all three words mean "the power or condition of acting without compulsion," liberty suggests release from former restraint or compulsion.

the released prisoner had difficulty adjusting to his new liberty

When could freedom be used to replace liberty?

In some situations, the words freedom and liberty are roughly equivalent. However, freedom has a broad range of application from total absence of restraint to merely a sense of not being unduly hampered or frustrated.

freedom of the press

When is it sensible to use license instead of liberty?

Although the words license and liberty have much in common, license implies freedom specially granted or conceded and may connote an abuse of freedom.

freedom without responsibility may degenerate into license

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 liberty During a weekend that celebrates life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Wimbledon offers an American variation in the pursuit of Grand Slam glory. — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 This report is part of NPR's America in Pursuit series, which includes stories from across the country that illustrate American life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. — NPR, 4 July 2026 From escalating conflicts across the globe to renewed debates over socialism, government power and individual liberty, this special edition examines the defining issues shaping America’s future. — Bill Wachsberger, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2026 Federal agencies, state governments, museums and communities across the country have organized countless America250 initiatives honoring our nation's history, its people and the enduring ideals of liberty and self-government. — Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for liberty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberty
  1. choice
  2. autonomy
  3. option
  4. freedom
  5. preference
  6. sovereignty
  7. independence
  8. independency
Noun
  • The more intentional your choices, the more high-end your bathroom will feel.
    — Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026
  • Then in 2025, Deschanel revealed that initial casting choice in question was Katie Holmes.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 July 2026
Definition of choice
Noun
  • Unlike physical aggression, coercive control operates through monitoring, intimidation, isolation, guilt and restrictions on a partner’s autonomy.
    — Mark Travers, CNBC, 5 July 2026
  • Today, Tibet retains autonomy but remains under political, military, and administrative control from China.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
Definition of autonomy
Noun
  • This affordable option packs a surprising amount of organizing power into one compact bag.
    — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
  • If an island getaway is favored, there are plenty of options across the globe to choose from, all with pristine beaches and seaside charm.
    — Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of option
Noun
  • Both countries have stepped up efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation and uphold international law in the strait, including hosting a summit with 51 other nations in April.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • And so really the differences that freedom represents to every American but all represented under that one flag.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of freedom
Noun
  • These distinct sauce styles are all rooted in traditions that developed in the coastal South, influenced by shifting populations, regional preferences, and supply chains.
    — Amethyst Ganaway, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
  • As carbuyers' preferences have shifted, pricier vehicles have become the norm at dealerships, leaving budget-conscious shoppers with fewer affordable models to choose from.
    — Mike Winters, CNBC, 1 July 2026
Definition of preference
Noun
  • Stubb highlighted that Ukraine had managed to preserve its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity despite more than four years of full-scale invasion by Moscow.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 7 July 2026
  • After some revisions, the Continental Congress on July 2 voted to accept the declaration of our national sovereignty.
    — Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026
Definition of sovereignty
Noun
  • The country, once split between British and French colonization, gained independence in 1960.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
  • Fed independence is either sacrosanct or an unelected board protecting Wall Street.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of independence
Noun
  • Yet the careful reader will appreciate the significance of the Puritan Cromwell’s independency.
    — Barton Swaim, WSJ, 27 Dec. 2021
  • His seemingly daily attacks on freedom of speech, the independency of the judiciary, the right to vote and other pillars of our constitutional system are bolstered by an intensely loyal fan base.
    — Christopher Ingraham, Washington Post, 29 Oct. 2020
Definition of independency

Phrases Containing liberty

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libertinism
liberty
libidinous
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Cite this Entry

“Liberty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liberty. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on liberty

Nglish: Translation of liberty for Spanish Speakers

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