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Definition of liberalnext
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liberal

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective liberal contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of liberal are bountiful, generous, and munificent. While all these words mean "giving or given freely and unstintingly," liberal suggests openhandedness in the giver and largeness in the thing or amount given.

a teacher liberal with her praise

When could bountiful be used to replace liberal?

The words bountiful and liberal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bountiful suggests lavish, unremitting giving or providing.

children spoiled by bountiful presents

When is generous a more appropriate choice than liberal?

The synonyms generous and liberal are sometimes interchangeable, but generous stresses warmhearted readiness to give more than size or importance of the gift.

a generous offer of help

In what contexts can munificent take the place of liberal?

While the synonyms munificent and liberal are close in meaning, munificent suggests a scale of giving appropriate to lords or princes.

a munificent foundation grant

How does the adjective liberal contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of liberal are bountiful, generous, and munificent. While all these words mean "giving or given freely and unstintingly," liberal suggests openhandedness in the giver and largeness in the thing or amount given.

a teacher liberal with her praise

When could bountiful be used to replace liberal?

The words bountiful and liberal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bountiful suggests lavish, unremitting giving or providing.

children spoiled by bountiful presents

When is generous a more appropriate choice than liberal?

The synonyms generous and liberal are sometimes interchangeable, but generous stresses warmhearted readiness to give more than size or importance of the gift.

a generous offer of help

In what contexts can munificent take the place of liberal?

While the synonyms munificent and liberal are close in meaning, munificent suggests a scale of giving appropriate to lords or princes.

a munificent foundation grant

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 liberal
Adjective
Senate Bill 135 is part of a series of proposals from Democrats and liberal groups that would remake state budgeting. Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026 Meanwhile, the more liberal 4th Circuit in Virginia divided 7-7 to reject Chatrie’s appeal. Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
Merz is a conservative Atlanticist and unapologetic economic liberal. Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026 Though Reiner, a lifelong liberal, disagreed with Kirk's conservative beliefs, the filmmaker's remarks about the incident emphasized the importance of nonviolence. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liberal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberal
Adjective
  • Her announcement touched off a new round of progressive candidates backing away from the Iron Dome.
    Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Wagner is among a bevy of hosts from progressive outlet Crooked Media who can be seen on MS NOW every Saturday night at 9 in clips from the collective’s sundry podcasts.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Other publishers offered writers more generous rates, and Gernsback's reputation for occasionally stiffing his creditors became an advantage for his competitors.
    Chris Klimek, NPR, 25 Apr. 2026
  • There’s space to spread out, too, with notably generous layouts and extra-large bathroom vanities.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The proposal would tighten exemption requirements for companies that provide charitable nonprofit low- and moderate-income housing.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Melton’s Austin starts as a baby leftist crying over a dead bee, then becomes torn between the authentic Korean cultural education Chairwoman Park claims to offer him and the increasingly ambitious Ashley, who wants to leverage Austin’s heritage for her own personal gain.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Perhaps Fogel, a fervent leftist, chafed at having to celebrate the family, that bourgeois institution.
    Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Velvet banquette couches and mid-century modern furniture punctuate roomy seating areas throughout the hotel, along with two main restaurant venues, an elegant cocktail bar, and a cozy coffee shop.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Thematic ambition, a sense of the something to be expressed beyond a central romance, rivalry, or farce, propels modern musical hits too, as in Hairspray, or Wicked, or (no duh) Hamilton.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Many varieties will provide plentiful blooms with strong disease resistance.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Still, cheap and filling vegan options that accurately mirror Mexican cuisine are plentiful at El Cantaro.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • With the eventual blessing of his benevolent landlords, Grattan has completely transformed the rental unit— widening doorways, upgrading electrical systems, and reimagining every wall and ceiling.
    Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Maybe the universe wasn’t on her side—would a benevolent god send Russ Sutton onto Cherry’s path?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • After getting two quick outs the lefty gave up back-to-back doubles to Matt Vierling and Dingler, the latter of which put the Tigers up 1-0 right out of the chute.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
  • On Saturday, Counsell turned to 39-year-old lefty Caleb Thielbar, who posted a perfect ninth inning for his sixth career save in a 4-2 win over the New York Mets at Wrigley Field.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Liberal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liberal. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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