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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

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
Americans, the historian Louis Hartz argued, embraced a common liberal tradition, built around a respect for democracy, property, and individual liberty. Yoni Appelbaum, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026 Perhaps most significant was Pratt’s approach to homelessness, which ran counter to the local liberal establishment’s policymaking consensus and implementation regime. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 8 June 2026
Noun
The bromide has it that a liberal is a person who won’t take his own side in an argument. Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026 Her efforts to come to terms with polyamory are couched as a political project—part of being an open-minded liberal—as much as a romantic one. Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for liberal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberal
Adjective
  • This inequality demonstrates a particular kind of economic and political harm that targets racially diverse and politically progressive young people.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
  • In her campaign to be LA’s next mayor, Raman launched a progressive, left-wing bid to oust Bass from within the Democratic Party.
    Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Your generous spirit shines when plans feel fair, so speak confidently and listen fully until both of you feel supported.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 June 2026
  • The main residence carries an old-world hacienda rhythm, with open corridors, generous gathering spaces and a central kitchen and dining area made for breezes, long lunches and slow afternoons.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Swift has previously made several charitable donations, including $100,000 in February 2024, to the family of a woman killed at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade, and $1 million in December 2023 toward natural disaster relief after storms in Tennessee.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
  • That ordeal pushed Chirac toward the charitable work that reshaped her public image.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Trailing far behind are two other candidates — community organizer Rae Huang, a leftist who has criticized Raman as too moderate; and tech entrepreneur Adam Miller, a centrist Democrat who promised to bring his managerial skills to City Hall.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
  • In New York, an inspiring young leftist competed against a boorish, but experienced, former governor to replace a corrupt mayor.
    Marc Novicoff, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Walk through a gallery of bronze busts immortalizing the game's greatest players and learn about the evolution of the game from the days of leather helmets to modern gear.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • That's far lower than the traditional 90-day window, and significantly lower than the more modern 45-day barrier.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Castine, Maine Pristine sandy beaches like Wadsworth Cove might be scarce in this small waterfront village, but Castine makes up for it with a rich seafaring history and plentiful water activities.
    Kira Turnbull, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026
  • Ergonomics are excellent, storage for small items is abundant, and charging ports are plentiful throughout the cabin.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • For Egyptians, crops would not grow without Horus and his benevolent eye shining down between the clouds.
    Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026
  • The overflow doctor had benevolent eyes and doughy cheeks, like fresh loaves of bread.
    Nami Mun, The Atlantic, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • The lefty was fading in his fourth inning.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026
  • But, as Oilers pitching coach Adam Springston explained later, it was decided that junior lefty Duncan McLeod would start against Cathedral Catholic.
    Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 7 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Liberal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liberal. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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