liberality

noun

lib·​er·​al·​i·​ty ˌli-bə-ˈra-lə-tē How to pronounce liberality (audio)
plural liberalities
: the quality or state of being liberal
also : an instance of this

Examples of liberality in a Sentence

She treated his friends with remarkable liberality. Some may disagree with the liberality of their views about parenting.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mackenzie had earned a reputation for piety, patriotism, lack of humor and liberality with the lash. Gerard Helferich, WSJ, 10 Nov. 2023 All the states Lauck writes about benefited from the liberality of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. Phil Christman, The New Republic, 22 Feb. 2023 Despite their relative openness, however, and as Mchangama readily concedes, neither the Greeks nor the Romans understood such liberality to be all-encompassing. Graham Hillard, National Review, 31 Mar. 2022 But when her loyal steward (John Rothman) finally convinces her that all this liberality has left her broke, and her creditors’ minions come calling with bills, her world and her illusions collapse. Jesse Green, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of liberality was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Liberality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liberality. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

liberality

noun
lib·​er·​al·​i·​ty ˌlib-ə-ˈral-ət-ē How to pronounce liberality (audio)
plural liberalities
1
: the quality or state of being liberal
2
: a generous act

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