1
as in parochial
not broad or open in views or opinions
an illiberal society that viewed any artistic depiction of the nude as inherently indecent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in narrow
unwilling to grant other people social rights or to accept other viewpoints
some of the more illiberal residents were opposed to having a hospice for AIDS patients in the neighborhood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in vulgar
archaic
lacking in refinement or good taste
people who had been scorned as illiberal because they were poor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illiberal
Older Western societies are presented as inherently illiberal, to be contrasted unfavorably with the perfectly liberal society promised by the prophets of the progressive future.
—
Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Putin is much more aggressive in propagating his ideology of illiberal nationalism and seeking to destroy the liberal international order.
—Michael McFaul, Wired News, 31 Dec. 2025
And within many democracies, the old assumptions that undergirded politics are in doubt; liberalism appears to be in disarray and illiberal forces on the rise.
—Daron Acemoglu, Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2025
Newsweek: How can rights-conscious partners trust Sri Lanka when its security laws resemble those of an illiberal state?
—Danish Manzoor Bhat, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illiberal
Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Putin is much more aggressive in propagating his ideology of illiberal nationalism and seeking to destroy the liberal international order.
—Michael McFaul, Wired News, 31 Dec. 2025
And within many democracies, the old assumptions that undergirded politics are in doubt; liberalism appears to be in disarray and illiberal forces on the rise.
—Daron Acemoglu, Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2025
Newsweek: How can rights-conscious partners trust Sri Lanka when its security laws resemble those of an illiberal state?
—Danish Manzoor Bhat, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illiberal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illiberal
Adjective
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This aligns with findings from empathy research, which distinguishes between parochial empathy (caring for one’s in-group) and universal empathy (concern for all people).—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Working-class voters visiting a Reform clubhouse were more likely to find young professionals discussing weighty matters of foreign policy rather than parochial issues like street paving.—
Daniel Wortel-London,
Washington Post,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Starlancer was a narrower simulator in the vein of Wing Commander or X-Wing, following a linear narrative about alliances of Earth's nations battling in the void of space.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
31 Jan. 2026
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Trump has largely halted refugee admissions, with the narrow exception of White South Africans.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The messages—widely condemned as vulgar, misogynistic, racist, and homophobic—also revealed discussions about manipulating media coverage, targeting political opponents, and casual references to the misuse of public funds.—
Israel Melendez Ayala,
Time,
30 Jan. 2026
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Phoenix Open conduct code The Thunderbirds maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding lewd and lascivious conduct, including but not limited to, disorderly or violent behavior and vulgar or violent language.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Dealing with competition from smaller personal computers, IBM’s business model began turning to services and software instead.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
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Common tactics Supporters of both parties now regularly receive urgent fundraising emails designed to draw in small-dollar donations, a significant part of how political candidates and parties pay for campaign operations and political advertising blitzes.—
Joseph Morton,
Dallas Morning News,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Beyond the recent bickering, Republicans have appeared to either endorse or allow bigoted attitudes to motivate the core conservative agenda – primarily their immigration policy.—
Rafael Perez,
Oc Register,
9 Jan. 2026
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Garlow condemned violence against Jewish people, even going so far as to call out people within his own faith who have expressed bigoted beliefs.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Zamiri aims to send up the crass monetization of a cultural boom, turning up the film’s absurdity knob to highlight the very real ways in which record labels and other corporate interests attach themselves vampirically to artistic success.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Jan. 2026
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Season 4 does introduce the three new Americans via Tender — an online payment system used for gambling and pornography sites, which becomes the focal point of Season 4 — with Penn’s Jonah bringing a crass brand of American humor to the season premiere.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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From the creators of The Hills, Selling Sunset provides viewers with romance, petty drama, luxurious homes, and a game of trying to remember which Oppenheim twin is which.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Feb. 2026
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This is more than just petty high-school behaviour to be brushed off.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Another separatist group called Stay Free Alberta has been gathering signatures for a petition to ask the provincial government to call a referendum, and some meetings have drawn large crowds.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
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The central and southern parts of Mozambique were the hardest hit, with the Gaza provincial capital of Xai-Xai and the nearby town of Chokwe largely submerged under water.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illiberal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illiberal. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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