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 fact, at no point in his broader career has the 31-year-old, who is known for his racist slurs and unabashed bigotry, achieved anything of note.

— Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of bigotry

Noun

Key Takeaways People choose to follow a dairy-free diet because of a milk allergy, lactose intolerance, or personal preference.

— Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 29 Aug. 2026
Some scientists speculate that acetaldehyde might trigger a release of the immune-signalling chemical histamine, leading to alcohol-intolerance symptoms.

— Shayla Love, New Yorker, 26 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 May 2022, the parties signed an agreement dismissing the arbitration without prejudice.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2026
Conley, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, dismissed the case without prejudice for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and granted the defendants’ sanctions motions.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of prejudice

Noun

According to the American Civil Liberties Union in 2020, this technology can result in bias and inaccuracies.

— Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Every public high school student will be required to complete two 45-minute AI-literacy modules, covering what AI is and is not, as well as bias, risks, ethics, careers and future skills.

— Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 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

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illiberal

illiberalism

illiberality

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“Illiberalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illiberalism. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of illiberalism

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