liberty
noun
lib·er·ty
ˈli-bər-tē 
plural liberties
1
: the quality or state of being free:
a
: the power to do as one pleases
b
: freedom from physical restraint
c
: freedom from arbitrary or despotic (see despot sense 1) control
d
: the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges
e
: the power of choice
2
a
: a right or immunity enjoyed by prescription or by grant : privilege
b
: permission especially to go freely within specified limits
was given the liberty of the house
3
: an action going beyond normal limits: such as
a
: a breach of etiquette or propriety : familiarity
took undue liberties with a stranger
c
: a violation of rules or a deviation from standard practice
took liberties in the way he played the game
d
: a distortion of fact
The movie takes many liberties with the actual events.
4
: a short authorized absence from naval duty usually for less than 48 hours
Synonyms
Examples of liberty in a Sentence
a nation that values liberty and democracy
soldiers willing to die in defense of liberty
They gave him the liberty to handle the problem himself.
hard-won liberties such as freedom of the press
Recent Examples on the Web
Unified party focused on liberty, economic growth and parental rights.
—
The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
So when the break with Britain arrived, American Jews flocked to the standard of liberty.
—Adam Jortner, The Conversation, 18 Oct. 2024
Conservatives believe strongly in liberty and personal responsibility.
—Nicole Russell, USA TODAY, 10 Oct. 2024
In the telling of any true story in cinema, though, creative liberties are bound to be taken.
—Barry Levitt, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for liberty 
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The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
So when the break with Britain arrived, American Jews flocked to the standard of liberty.
—Adam Jortner, The Conversation, 18 Oct. 2024
Conservatives believe strongly in liberty and personal responsibility.
—Nicole Russell, USA TODAY, 10 Oct. 2024
In the telling of any true story in cinema, though, creative liberties are bound to be taken.
—Barry Levitt, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for liberty
Dictionary Entries Near liberty
Cite this Entry
“Liberty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liberty. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
liberty
noun
lib·er·ty
ˈlib-ərt-ē
plural liberties
1
: the condition of those who are free and independent : freedom
2
: power to do what one pleases
give the child some liberty
3
: an action that goes beyond normal limits (as of proper behavior or good sense)
took liberties with the truth
4
: a short authorized absence from naval duty
Legal Definition
liberty
noun
lib·er·ty
plural liberties
1
a
: freedom from external (as governmental) restraint, compulsion, or interference in engaging in the pursuits or conduct of one's choice to the extent that they are lawful and not harmful to others
b
: enjoyment of the rights enjoyed by others in a society free of arbitrary or unreasonable limitation or interference
2
: freedom from physical restraint
3
: freedom from subjection to the will of another claiming ownership or services
4
: right
the right to a fair trial is a fundamental liberty secured by the Fourteenth Amendment—W. R. LaFave and J. H. Israel
W. R. LaFave and J. H. IsraelGeographical Definition
Liberty
geographical name
Lib·er·ty
ˈli-bər-tē
city in northwestern Missouri north-northeast of Kansas City population 29,149
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