ILLIBERALISMS Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

illiberalism

noun

(ˌ)i(l)-ˈli-b(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm

Definition of illiberalism

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

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

Thus, feta is considered easier to digest than most other cheeses, even for those with a slight lactose intolerance.

— Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
Following the pandemic and resurgence of fascism and brutal deceits, and picking up on the discussions of shame found in My 1980s Gayboy Playlist, Ashby has now focused on indignity and intolerance.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 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

In that sense Cunningham’s view is largely seen as only further marginalizing a trans community already suffering from lack of understanding, prejudice and bullying.

— Greg Cote August 14, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026
Tempered by generations of poverty, war, and rank prejudice, so many Afghan women refuse to be bowed or broken.

— Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 14 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

That narrow-mindedness is immediately apparent when Nick asks his congregation to help the group of unhoused people, a little over a dozen souls or so, who live in a makeshift camp on the edge of town.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
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

Maviglio argued that the top-two primary has failed to deliver on its promises to reduce partisanship and budget deficits in Sacramento.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of partisanship

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“Illiberalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illiberalism. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of illiberalism

noun

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