release 1 of 2

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

release

2 of 2

noun

1
as in discharge
a freeing from an obligation or responsibility because they had legally declared bankruptcy, they received release from their debt

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in waiver
a document containing a declaration of an intentional giving up of a right, claim, or privilege we had to sign a liability release before they'd let us go rock climbing on their property

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb release differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of release are emancipate, free, liberate, and manumit. While all these words mean "to set loose from restraint or constraint," 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

In what contexts can emancipate take the place of release?

The meanings of emancipate and release largely overlap; however, emancipate implies the liberation of a person from subjection or domination.

labor-saving devices emancipated us from household drudgery

When would free be a good substitute for release?

The words free and release can be used in similar contexts, but free implies a usually permanent removal from whatever binds, confines, entangles, or oppresses.

freed the animals from their cages

When might liberate be a better fit than release?

While in some cases nearly identical to release, liberate stresses particularly the resulting state of liberty.

liberated their country from the tyrant

When is manumit a more appropriate choice than release?

Although the words manumit and release have much in common, manumit implies emancipation from slavery.

the document manumitted the slaves

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 release
Verb
By the numbers: In its annual letter released alongside the tender announcement, the company said total payment volume grew 38% in 2024, to $1.4 trillion. Ryan Lawler, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025 Palestinian prisoners released by Israel arrive on a bus at the European Hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Reuters, NBC News, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
Virgin Galactic reported a net loss of $347 million in 2024, compared to a $502 million net loss in 2023, with the improvement primarily driven by lower operating expenses, the company said this week in a quarterly earnings release. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2025 So naturally, fans were up in arms after its limited-edition release came to a tragic end. Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for release
Recent Examples of Synonyms for release
Verb
  • Trump has vowed to unleash more American energy by rolling back many Biden-era regulations.
    William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Policymakers rushed to unleash a flurry of stimulus measures last September when the economy was at risk of missing the government’s target of around 5%.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Dolphins’ two options would be releasing him (which wouldn’t free up significant cap space until after June 1) or keeping him but with terms of the contract adjusted to save Miami money and cap space.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
  • But Jordan says the money freed up within a few days.
    Debbie Elliott, NPR, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • That was really liberating at the time for women and looked scary to men.
    A Martínez, NPR, 7 Mar. 2025
  • This might fly in the face of everything a business leader has been taught about being an expert, but trust me, the results of this kind of thinking are liberating.
    Christian Davies FCSD, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Since taking office in January, US President Donald Trump has fundamentally changed transatlantic relations, suspended all military aid and intelligence sharing to Kyiv and again cast doubt that the US would defend its NATO allies if attacked.
    Helen Regan, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The voice cast is superb right down the line, especially Harrelson’s Mr. Peanut.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • On Friday night, Andress’ posting of her new version of the anthem on social media — which had not been announced in advance — was starting to draw some favorable responses.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 1 Mar. 2025
  • What’s happening On Feb. 7, Elliott announced that it’s taken a $1.5 billion position in Aspen Technology.
    Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The four-man pass rush generated 16 pressures and sacked Mahomes six times, the most in his career.
    Nate Taylor, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The Philadelphia Eagles completely stymied the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense in Super Bowl LIX, sacking Patrick Mahomes and causing three turnovers on their way to a big win.
    Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The mill also created a close-loop water system for zero discharge.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Additionally, eye discharge or tear stains: This can irritate the skin and may need gentle cleaning.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The Heat values Smith, who is recovering from a torn Achilles’, and is reluctant to subject him to waivers.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Judging by the advanced stats, Lawrence fell off in 2024, which likely played into the Rockies’ decision to put him on the waiver wire on Saturday.
    Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Release.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/release. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on release

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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