Liens are legal claims or encumbrances placed on property or assets by a creditor or claimant. Synonyms for liens include encumbrances, claims, charges, pledges, mortgages, and securities. These words all refer to the legal right of a party to hold property until a debt or obligation is fulfilled. In some cases, the use of synonyms for liens may be more specific. For example, a mortgage is a specific type of lien that is used to secure a loan taken out to purchase a property. Meanwhile, an encumbrance may refer to any type of legal claim on property, such as a tax lien or mechanic's lien. Understanding these synonyms can help in the legal and financial management of assets and debts.