enfranchise

verb

in-ˈfran-ˌchīz How to pronounce enfranchise (audio)
Definition of enfranchisenext
as in to liberate
to set free (as from slavery or confinement) in a way, modern labor-saving appliances enfranchised people, giving them much more leisure time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 enfranchise Open primaries would enfranchise more than a million New York voters, who are disproportionately young and represent communities of color. — John Avlon, New York Daily News, 7 July 2025 About a year after the infirmary team returned to the United States, the 19th Amendment became law, enfranchising 27 million women, the largest expansion of voting rights in American history. — Amy Sohn, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025 Some other states specifically prohibit localities from enfranchising noncitizens. — Jennifer Peltz, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025 After the Third Reform Act of 1884, six of 10 adult Englishmen were enfranchised. — Geoffrey Wheatcroft, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enfranchise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enfranchise
  1. liberate
  2. free
  3. release
  4. emancipate
  5. rescue
  6. save
Verb
  • In 2020, DirecTV and AT&T struck a deal with Charter, not so much to liberate Dodgers fans as to help the parties maintain a shrinking base of subscribers amid a proliferation of video options.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • No need to spiral; the clarity can ultimately liberate you from these unnecessary financial burdens.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of liberate
Verb
  • Prosecutors said Asora shot MacNeil after MacNeil freed himself.
    — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
  • And studies do suggest AI tools that make workers more efficient are freeing up time.
    — Barnaby Lashbrooke, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of free
Verb
  • The team has appeared comfortable all offseason — after re-signing Singleton and Strnad in free agency and releasing fellow veteran Dre Greenlaw — relying on this young, developing cast to fill the depth positions.
    — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The district has released a set of maps, outlining the potential changes.
    — James Taylor, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of release
Verb
  • Drew was legally emancipated from her mother at 14 and began living independently.
    — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • In 1775, his first enslaver sold him to the commander of Framingham's Minute Men, who emancipated him, and Salem went on to fight at Lexington and Concord.
    — Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 4 July 2026
Definition of emancipate
Verb
  • Those funds will help animals like Violet, a 7-year-old sheep dog mix rescued from South LA's shelter; Harper, rescued from a homeless encampment; and Claurese, surrendered when her family couldn't afford her medical bills.
    — Joy Benedict, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Rajab survived the initial fire and pleaded on the phone for hours with Palestinian paramedics to come rescue her.
    — Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of rescue
Verb
  • Andre Blake saved two shots for Philadelphia, which has won four in a row under 37-year-old interim coach Ryan Richter after Bradley Carnell was let go in late May.
    — CBS New York Team, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Messi had a shot saved at the beginning of the second half, but Palacios then sparked a move from one side of the pitch to the other as Nashville restored its lead in the 49th minute and seized control of the game.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of save

Browse Nearby Words

enframing
enfranchise
enfranchised
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Cite this Entry

“Enfranchise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enfranchise. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on enfranchise

Nglish: Translation of enfranchise for Spanish Speakers

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