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. sectarianism
  5. prejudice
  6. bias
  7. narrow-mindedness
  8. partisanship
Noun
  • For the moment, Trump’s vicious bigotry has alienated most independent voters and even some Republicans.
    — David Yassky, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Anti-white bigotry has become accepted and, at times, rewarded in public discourse.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of bigotry
Noun
  • Critics said that his case reflected Beijing’s emphasis on security and intolerance of dissent, even though Macao’s pro-democracy movement has never been as influential as that in neighboring Hong Kong.
    — Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • And because so many Montreal chefs have passed through Morin’s kitchens, his influence looms large over the city’s fine dining scene—and its spirit of hospitality toward those with allergies and intolerances.
    — Luke Pyenson, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 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 pullout, however, leaves a new Iraqi government with the daunting task of loosening Iran’s grip on its neighbor, which has long been trapped in a cycle of sectarianism, foreign meddling and civil conflict.
    — Sarah Tamimi, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of sectarianism
Noun
  • The incident has renewed concerns about anti-Hindu prejudice and the safety of religious and cultural celebrations in the United States.
    — Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The show explores immigration, prejudice and what the American Dream costs, with stories from both sides of the law.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of prejudice
Noun
  • However, the appointment has received flak, as comments James made about the case before she was tapped to lead the investigation have drawn accusations of bias from lawyers of the seven men accused.
    — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Psychologists call it normalcy bias — the idea that tomorrow will look a lot like yesterday.
    — Marc Silver, NPR, 6 Nov. 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
  • Two measures that will enforce the separation of boys and girls in sports — two measures that show common sense can prevail over partisanship.
    — Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Opponents see something considerably more troubling, namely politicians asking voters to weaken constitutional protections against partisan manipulation for the express purpose of partisanship.
    — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 1 Nov. 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 11 Nov. 2026.

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