libertarian
noun
lib·er·tar·i·an
ˌli-bər-ˈter-ē-ən 
-ˈte-rē-
plural libertarians
1
: an adherent or advocate of libertarianism
Libertarians take individual freedom as the paramount political value and understand coercion to be the antithesis of that freedom. While people can justifiably be forced to do certain things—most obviously, to refrain from infringing the liberty of others—they cannot be coerced to serve the good of other members of society, nor even their own personal good.—
Bas van der Vossen and Billy Christmas
Bas van der Vossen and Billy Christmas… the one big thing the libertarians knew and could explain better than anyone else—that the invisible hand of the market is a more reliable organizer of the economic life of nations than the visible hand of the state …—Richard Cornuelle
Richard Cornuelle2
Libertarian plural Libertarians
: a member or supporter of a political party supporting or promoting libertarianism
a registered Libertarian
libertarian
adjective
or less commonly Libertarian
… the libertarian ideology and rhetoric associated with "school choice," opposition to gun control, and the right of business to be free from government regulation.
—Alan Wolfe
Alan Wolfe
the Libertarian party
Examples of libertarian in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Emily, a libertarian from Colorado who has been involved with the ACC for several years, theorized that the divide among the members’ priorities is regional.
—Gaby Del Valle, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Lauri Shillings, a graphic designer and small business owner, is officially running as a Libertarian in the Indiana Secretary of State race after receiving the nomination at the party's state convention March 20-22.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 24 Mar. 2026
Libertarians also only allow members of their party to select candidates.
—Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 24 Mar. 2026
Twenty-two candidates filed to run for the seat, but the number dropped to 17 candidates — 12 Republicans, three Democrats, one Libertarian, and one independent — all of which appeared on Tuesday's ballot.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for libertarian
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Gaby Del Valle, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Lauri Shillings, a graphic designer and small business owner, is officially running as a Libertarian in the Indiana Secretary of State race after receiving the nomination at the party's state convention March 20-22.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 24 Mar. 2026
Libertarians also only allow members of their party to select candidates.
—Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 24 Mar. 2026
Twenty-two candidates filed to run for the seat, but the number dropped to 17 candidates — 12 Republicans, three Democrats, one Libertarian, and one independent — all of which appeared on Tuesday's ballot.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for libertarian
Cite this Entry
“Libertarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/libertarian. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
libertarian
noun
lib·er·tar·i·an
ˌlib-ər-ˈter-ē-ən
: a person who believes in liberty of thought and action
libertarian
adjective
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