encumbrance
3 antonyms and opposites of encumbrance, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A legal claim against a property, such as a mortgage, unpaid tax or right of way, that limits what the owner can do with it or must be settled before it is sold.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun legal
A legal claim against a property, such as a mortgage, unpaid tax or right of way, that limits what the owner can do with it or must be settled before it is sold.
“The title search revealed no encumbrances on the land.”
Antonyms
How to use encumbrance
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Formal; the property sense is standard legal vocabulary, the general sense is literary.
Etymology
From Old French encombrance, from encombrer "to block up, obstruct".
Full origin of encumbrance →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an encumbrance and a lien?
A lien is one kind of encumbrance, a claim securing a debt, such as a mortgage or an unpaid contractor's claim. Encumbrance is the wider word and also covers non-financial restrictions such as easements, covenants and rights of way.
What does "free from encumbrances" mean?
It means the property carries no outstanding claims, charges or restrictions, so the buyer will receive clear title. Conveyancers confirm this through a title search before completion.
Is an encumbrance certificate the same everywhere?
No. In India an encumbrance certificate is a specific official document listing registered transactions on a property, whereas in Britain and America the same assurance comes from a title search or title insurance rather than a certificate of that name.