LIBERATE Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

liberate

verb

ˈli-bə-ˌrāt

Definition of liberate next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 liberate If so, Orsini’s process was similar to that of the Renaissance’s greatest sculptor, Michelangelo, who described his work as liberating figures trapped within the stone. —

Lanta Davis and Vince Reighard, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024 We will be liberated from our reliance on something as fragile as the cultivation of good faith. —

Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024 Kupiansk came under Russian occupation at the start of its full-scale invasion in February 2022 and was liberated by Ukrainian forces six months later. —

Katya Soldak, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 By now, the gas is expanding away at over 20 kilometers a second, but no new material is being liberated from the rock sample. —

John Timmer, Ars Technica, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for liberate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberate

Verb

Where labor costs are high, even one self-checkout can free up a cashier for other important roles like stocking shelves or providing customer service; duties that, unlike checkouts, haven’t yet been automated.

Mustafa Khanwala, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Birmingham names new mayor as city settles deal with controversial senior tower More:Michigan teen tied to deputy's killing freed on $10K cash bail, igniting debate on reform Officials evacuated at least 15 of the condo units, Barnett said.

Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 20 Nov. 2024