left 1 of 2

Definition of leftnext
as in liberalism
a political belief stressing progress, the essential goodness of humankind, and individual freedom a rising politician who is being hailed as the new voice of the left

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

left

2 of 2

verb

past tense of leave
1
2
as in bequeathed
to give by means of a will I'm going to leave all of my possessions to my children

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in quit
to give up (a job or office) he left his job in the city and moved out into the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5
6

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 left
Noun
Kalif Raymond switched sides of the formation — going from the left to the right. — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026 At his watch party, a screen to the left of the stage is projecting unofficial results from the Secretary of State's office. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026 The big elk turned and looked toward the sound and resumed walking to the left. — Rich Larocco, Outdoor Life, 2 Nov. 2026 Wearing matching powder blue dresses and shoulder-length brown wigs with bangs pinned to the left, the married couple wore pale makeup adding to the ghostly look. — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for left
Recent Examples of Synonyms for left
Noun
  • The discussion came as Douthat asked a broader question about parental control over education and tensions between some Muslim voters and cultural liberalism.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Three separate studies in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee discovered the same relationship between degree of Southern accent and political conservatism or liberalism.
    — Valerie M. Fridland, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The bases seemed all but abandoned, with word among residents that American service members, a common sight in Bahrain, have all but disappeared.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Trump’s approval among young men, a key voting bloc that ensured his return to power, has plummeted, and popular podcasters who cater to a younger audience have abandoned him.
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The iconic diner was owned for many years by former Mayor Richard Riordan, who died in 2023 and bequeathed the property to a trust.
    — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • But her tradition does appear to have bequeathed her a powerful suspicion of the will.
    — James Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • All of the tour’s other openers and Sheeran’s own backing band ended up quitting the tour in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestine.
    — William Earl, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The number of workers quitting jobs — a barometer of their confidence to obtain new employment — spiked to levels not seen since March 2025.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Eighty-eight years later, medical professionals won dramatic victories as part of the sweeping blue wave that handed Democrats control of Congress and many state and local offices.
    — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Often, parents are handed an outdated brochure and sent on their way, Silsby said.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The first atmospheric river to hit the Southwest this season dumped up to five times the average rain for November in parts of the region, triggering destructive flooding for the second consecutive month.
    — Suheir Hashimeh, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Farmers dumped manure on the streets of Turin on Friday as mass demonstrations unfurled across more than 50 cities in Italy.
    — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The group battled with one of the best tight ends in the game in Tyler Warren and allowed four receptions for 44 yards.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Snowmaking began in October this season as conditions allowed.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Some people were rescued from the roof of their homes and rescue teams are actively trying to get a 90-year-old that is stranded on her kitchen table, Earley said.
    — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • After three high-stakes seasons stranded in the Canadian wilderness, the Yellowjackets have been rescued in the fourth and final season.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Left.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/left. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster