illiberalism

noun

(ˌ)i(l)-ˈli-b(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce illiberalism (audio)
Definition of illiberalismnext
as in illiberality
stubborn or intolerant adherence to one's opinions or prejudices They each accused the other of a form of illiberalism.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of illiberalism The signal predicament of our era is the global rise of illiberalism and intolerance. — Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026 Journalist Anne Applebaum has documented how elites accommodate themselves to illiberalism, finding advantage in proximity to power even as institutions decay. — Alejandro Reyes, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026 One of the abiding strengths of any genuinely liberal order—domestic or international—is that within it illiberalism can exist, and do damage, without posing an existential threat to it. — Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025 Space warfare, cyber defense, mass migration, corruption, and illiberalism require fluency, adaptability, empathy, and collaboration. — Loree Sutton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illiberalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illiberalism
  1. bigotry
  2. intolerance
  3. dogmatism
  4. prejudice
  5. bias
  6. narrow-mindedness
  7. partisanship
Noun
  • In our conversation, Nunez pointed to brand campaigns that seem so tone-deaf that they border bigotry.
    — Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • The wall of xenophobia and bigotry, turned on its side, can be a table.
    — Josh Fox, IndieWire, 17 July 2026
Definition of bigotry
Noun
  • Adequate caloric and fluid intake matters as undereating can amplify cold intolerance.
    — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • For individuals with specific digestive conditions or fructose intolerance, consuming watermelon may cause uncomfortable symptoms.
    — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 30 July 2026
Definition of intolerance
Noun
  • When authenticity becomes uncompromising, candor turns belligerent, consistency becomes rigid, or principled decision-making morphs into dogmatism, even the best intentions can backfire.
    — Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • By staying so close to black metal’s core sound, Marchenko does more to undermine the dogmatism—both racial and aesthetic—of Vikernes and his ilk than a more obviously experimental project might.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of dogmatism
Noun
  • The lawsuit was dismissed Monday without prejudice, meaning the case may be filed again.
    — Riley Moser, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • But Pirro’s office moved on July 31 to dismiss the felony case without prejudice after the Interior Department produced additional documents.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of prejudice
Noun
  • The critic's power stems from the brain's inherent negativity bias, a survival mechanism that overestimates threats.
    — Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Getting comfortable with an EV powertrain spinning road-bias AT tires over loose stones and sticks was also quite an experience.
    — Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of bias
Noun
  • Mann loves a man with an obsession, but this sentiment is about expanding that narrow-mindedness to make space in our lives for others.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 July 2026
Definition of narrow-mindedness
Noun
  • Policymakers in Washington should look to Florida for a lesson in putting partisanship aside to protect people and lower costs.
    — Jaclyn de Medicci Bruneau, Sun Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026
  • In a rare interview in his chambers, Alito also discussed the state of the court, rejecting the idea that political partisanship affects his decisions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of partisanship

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illiberal
illiberalism
illiberality
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Cite this Entry

“Illiberalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illiberalism. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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