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
But today, the most important political cleft is not the fading distinction between right and left, but the rising conflict between liberal and illiberal, democratic and autocratic.
—
David Frum, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025
The rise of illiberal leaders in countries such as Brazil, India, Israel, the Philippines, Turkey, and the United States has also created a more congenial setting for the spread of these narratives.
—Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
In Italy, Putin has nurtured personal relations with the illiberal nationalist leader Matteo Salvini.
—Michael McFaul, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
In 2015, the Syrian refugee crisis contributed to the destabilization of European politics, fueling Brexit and a rise in illiberal governance.
—Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illiberal
David Frum, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025
The rise of illiberal leaders in countries such as Brazil, India, Israel, the Philippines, Turkey, and the United States has also created a more congenial setting for the spread of these narratives.
—Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
In Italy, Putin has nurtured personal relations with the illiberal nationalist leader Matteo Salvini.
—Michael McFaul, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
In 2015, the Syrian refugee crisis contributed to the destabilization of European politics, fueling Brexit and a rise in illiberal governance.
—Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illiberal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illiberal
Adjective
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Brian Colbert ran on a parochial platform focused on garden-variety local issues.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2025
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In his quest for a definitive biography of Joyce as a cosmopolitan artist, above the parochial fray, Ellmann downplayed Joyce’s interest in politics.—
Eric Bulson,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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Romero gave chase down a narrow alley where Biddle said Sartor turned and fired, striking Romero in the right arm.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 June 2025
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While the House of Representatives passed one version of the legislation and the Senate advanced a separate one, the GOP’s narrow majorities in both chambers make the timing of the eventual package and its exact provisions less certain.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Using vulgar, profane or indecent language in a loud or boisterous manner in the presence of children.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
16 June 2025
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Between 12% and 13.3% of Americans, around 10% of Brits, and 9.4% of Australians used at least one vulgar word in their data.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
15 June 2025
Adjective
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The veteran would be a small upgrade in the outfield for the Padres.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
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Deerhoof is a small mom and pop operation, and know when enough is enough.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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The blatantly bigoted decision will someday be overturned, but not without inflicting enormous pain in the interim.—
Christopher Knight,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
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Bea and Patience carry the show, while the rest of the ensemble is just sort of there, not really adding much, aside from Bea’s obnoxious and bigoted subordinate (played by Nathan Welsh) who is dismissive and sneering about Patience, both to her face and behind her back.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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Most Popular Most Popular Asking Eric: The parents refuse to cut their trip short despite their teen’s crisis Asking Eric: The parents refuse to cut their trip short despite their teen's crisis Dear Abby: Is there a way to tell the crass shirttail relations that they’re not invited?—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
10 May 2025
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But beyond the crass remarks about Read, experts say less explosive messages about Proctor's early opinions of the investigation could be damning.—
Julia Bonavita , Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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While Lian was staring in the mirror practicing her hows and lows and preparing for her future, Wenyu was sneaking out of prep class more and more frequently to pull petty pranks with her new boyfriend.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 July 2025
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Seventy-five years later, some of the Tribune’s criticisms seem petty.—
Ron Grossman,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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The Inuit community wants to work with scientists to set up a provincial park that would protect the land while allowing researchers to study it.—
Adithi Ramakrishnan,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2025
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Its funders include private companies and four layers of government (provincial, regional, national, and European).—
Christine Ro,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illiberal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illiberal. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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