illiberal

play

adjective il·lib·er·al \ (ˌ)i(l)-ˈli-b(ə-)rəl \

Definition of illiberal

:not liberal: such as

a archaic

(1) :lacking a liberal education

(2) :lacking culture and refinement

b :not requiring the background of a liberal arts education

illiberal occupations

c archaic :not generous :stingy

d :not broad-minded :bigoted

illiberal thinking

e :opposed to liberalism

illiberal tendencies

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illiberality

play \(ˌ)i(l)-ˌli-bə-ˈra-lə-tē\ noun

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illiberally

play \(ˌ)i(l)-ˈli-b(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb

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illiberalness

play \(ˌ)i(l)-ˈli-b(ə-)rəl-nəs\ noun

See illiberal defined for English-language learners

Examples of illiberal in a Sentence

an illiberal attitude toward sex
an illiberal society that viewed any artistic depiction of the nude as inherently indecent

Recent Examples of illiberal from the Web

Newcomers from illiberal lands might bring unwelcome customs, such as political corruption or intolerance for gay people.

— The Economist, "If borders were openA world of free movement would be $78 trillion richer," 13 July 2017
Her retrospective comes at a moment when an onslaught of illiberal forces in the big world dwarfs intellectual wrangles in the little one of art.

— The New Yorker, "Louise Lawler: Receptions," 22 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'illiberal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.