license 1 of 2

variants or licence

license

2 of 2

verb

variants also licence

Synonym Chooser

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

The words freedom and liberty are common synonyms of license. While all three words mean "the power or condition of acting without compulsion," license implies freedom specially granted or conceded and may connote an abuse of freedom.

freedom without responsibility may degenerate into license

Where would freedom be a reasonable alternative to license?

Although the words freedom and license have much in common, 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 liberty instead of license?

The synonyms liberty and license are sometimes interchangeable, but liberty suggests release from former restraint or compulsion.

the released prisoner had difficulty adjusting to his new liberty

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 license
Noun
Medical marijuana business license holders have been working toward meeting all regulatory requirements to get the greenlight for operations since licenses were awarded through a lottery process in 2024. Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 31 July 2025 The minimum fine for killing the animals during a closed season is a $1,000 fine, as well as a $4,500 civil penalty and mandatory revocation of a person’s hunting license, according to the Fish and Game news release. Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 31 July 2025
Verb
Meanwhile Uber gives Lucid, which controls only a fraction of the domestic electric vehicle market, a leg up and helps Nuro, which abandoned building its own self-driving vehicles in favor of licensing its tech, pivot its business. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 18 July 2025 Its tasks range from licensing and regulating over 4 million professionals, businesses and financial services in California to boosting the availability of safe, affordable housing. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for license
Recent Examples of Synonyms for license
Noun
  • However, students are not allowed to use the devices during class, unless a teacher gives them permission for educational, health or emergency purposes.
    Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 24 July 2025
  • At age 13, the user may now add their phone number, and add friends and join group chats without parental permission.
    Alison Escalante, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Mark up President Donald Trump discussing a U.S.-Japan trade agreement with a Japanese delegation and top White House aides in the Oval Office, July 22, 2025.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 24 July 2025
  • As Ukrainian and Russian delegations prepare to meet in Istanbul, Turkey, for a new round of ceasefire talks, Zelenskyy and his allies are facing a groundswell of opposition at home.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • The order by President Donald Trump to deny citizenship to babies born to immigrants without legal authorization to be in the U.S. is now before the courts.
    John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Any restaurant names or trademarks in the names of our recipes are included solely for reference and do not indicate any authorization or approval by their owners.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • According to the Inquirer and the Los Angeles Times, this enabled Lambert and Buck to enter the home while Hazel was gone.
    Christina Coulter, People.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Two subwoofers can also enable each unit to operate at a lower volume with less strain, increasing the system’s headroom.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The commission employs over 1,500 full-time workers, according to state employee data.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2025
  • O’Leary is the only airline CEO to have commented on agent commissions.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • Throughout his directing career, Eastwood has translated his belief in personal responsibility and personal freedom—an ideal of independence—into art.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 July 2025
  • This is suitable for gamers who want the freedom of a wireless connection but with the agility of a USB connection.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
  • Some ban fishing all year around, while others prohibit it at certain times of year such as breeding times, or permit fishing just for local communities rather than commercial trawling.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • In humdrum Fargo, ND, an ordinary man named AJ is content with his mundane existence and rejects any interruption to his tranquility, including a promotion at work – offered by his boss who happens to be his dad.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 25 July 2025
  • For those ordering online or through the Krispy Kreme app, the promotion is limited to one $1 dozen when using the code BOGO1 at checkout.
    Moná Thomas, People.com, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“License.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/license. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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