Definition of libertynext

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 Our militaries fought and won in two World Wars for liberty and against fascism. Stephen Doughty, Boston Herald, 27 Apr. 2026 For much of American history, conservatives were the nation’s fiercest skeptics of executive power, warning that a swelling presidency could threaten liberty by displacing the authority of Congress and the courts. Gregg Nunziata, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026 Hosmer, whose criminal record dates back to 1974, was also previously convicted of second-degree home invasion, second-degree criminal conduct with a child under 13, breaking and entering with intent, and indecent liberties with a child. Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026 While religious minorities have often faced exclusion and hostility, many Americans have long believed that guarantees of religious liberty promise a more inclusive society. David Mislin, The Conversation, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for liberty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberty
Noun
  • Make one intentional choice with your money or time, and follow through fully.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Havertz is Julian Nagelsmann’s first-choice forward and, if fit, will surely start as part of a front three with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala at the World Cup.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The broader strategy envisions widespread robotic integration across grid operations, with increasing autonomy over the coming years, positioning the sector as a major testbed for large-scale, real-world AI adoption, reports Robo Horizon.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The album, which was built around live instrumentation, also heralds Staples’ new era as one of newfound autonomy.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The others provide a variety of options to work in around them.
    Jon Machota, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Take your pick from several colors, including neutrals and more vibrant options.
    Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The standard model includes 5-degree-of-freedom robotic arms, with an optional 7-DOF upgrade for enhanced manipulation.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026
  • The protest damaged a Communist Party office, with some protesters throwing rocks at the building and hurling furniture into a bonfire amid chants of freedom.
    Jorge Carrasco, NBC news, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Naming one clear boundary or preference shifts the tone.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
  • The format varies widely depending on access and preference.
    Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That's why Utah, a state that prides itself on sovereignty and small-government, is seeking federal help to revive a landmark that is culturally, environmentally and economically vital to the region.
    Saige Miller, NPR, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The Chinese version of Apple Maps doesn’t recognize the sovereignty of Taiwan, and the Chinese version of iOS excludes Taiwan’s flag from the emoji keyboard.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But the king is expected to express the highest regard and friendship between the two countries on the 250th anniversary year of independence, creating what the palace called one of the greatest alliances in human history.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The occasion was one of many events this year to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence from Britain, and this one was an address from the reigning British monarch.
    Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This visit was very important signal for our partners that Kyiv, much more safety right now, and also very important signal that Great Britain stay together with Ukraine, support Ukraine -- support our country in the fight for our freedom, for our independency.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2022
  • Yet the careful reader will appreciate the significance of the Puritan Cromwell’s independency.
    Barton Swaim, WSJ, 27 Dec. 2021

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Liberty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liberty. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on liberty

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster