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.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
  • For individuals with specific digestive conditions or fructose intolerance, consuming watermelon may cause uncomfortable symptoms.
    — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 30 July 2026
  • Across the country, incidents of religious intolerance are rising.
    — Scott Ehrlich, Sun Sentinel, 16 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
  • Winner of the Envision Award, which is provided to a project that explores the complexities of shared society by combating prejudice and hate.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Please try to keep your red-state hatreds and prejudices confined within your borders, and leave the rest of us in peace.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of prejudice
Noun
  • However, inconsistencies and biases in the study’s findings have arisen over the years, leading researchers to scrutinize the data more closely.
    — Versha Pleasant, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
  • Dawson sued the university's governing board, arguing she was discriminated against because of her race and gender, and that she was fired in retaliation for speaking up about bias.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 30 July 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
  • Every administration has its own policy agenda and preferences, but this goes beyond that, subjugating science to partisanship and holding research and infrastructure money hostage throughout much of the country.
    — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
  • However, the same poll found partisanship shapes peoples’ perceptions.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of partisanship

Browse Nearby Words

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 5 Aug. 2026.

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