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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
That way, the state’s substantial liberal voting base gets diluted among a platoon of Democratic hopefuls, pushing the two conservatives into the November runoff. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026 Since then, Swalwell’s support among organized labor, congressional allies and campaign donors has evaporated in the week since liberal influencers began posting vague accusations that Swalwell abused female staff and teasing forthcoming investigative articles. Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 13 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
  • In 1960, Chevy Chase graduated as valedictorian from Massachusetts' progressive Stockbridge School.
    Joyann Jeffrey, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Democrats last year found allies among GOP House members from red districts in progressive states.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Featuring the show’s slogan over a sunny pop of color, this sturdy ceramic mug holds a generous 15 ounces of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, and is your Immunity Idol against a dull routine.
    Brittany Anas, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The parathas, as the savory flatbreads are called, stuffed with onion and paneer and coated with a generous amount of butter, are as delicious as ever.
    Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • McRae later became a founding member of one of the state's other major charitable organizations, the Arkansas Community Foundation.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Uninsured patients can go to charitable clinics for health services but medications are paid out of pocket, Barrientos said.
    Laura Turbay, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Petro, a leftist who was a member of a rebel group in his youth, has attempted to stage peace talks with Colombia’s remaining rebel groups under a strategy known as total peace.
    Manuel Rueda, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
  • In nearby Venezuela, the rise of President Hugo Chávez, a leftist, in 1999 meant oil and aid began flowing again.
    Carmen Sesin, NBC news, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Purists may object, but Rolex’s modern movements are quite lovely to behold.
    Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
  • On April 21, 1526, a Central Asian prince named Babur defeated the Delhi sultanate ruler Ibrahim Lodi in India and laid the foundations of what would become one of the most important empires of early modern history—the Mughal Empire (1526–1857).
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • It’s blessed with a sunny climate too, which helps make the vegetables fat and juicy and its vineyards’ wines robust and plentiful.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Galos said her company (founded and family-owned since 1983) coordinates with matchmakers across the nation and around the globe to ensure options and opportunities are plentiful.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Walt had long described himself as a benevolent father to his workers, and the strike seemed an act of personal betrayal and disloyalty verging on patricide.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026
  • The common bonds that held the fabric of society together have been torn to shreds and sewn together into robes that adorn the would-be benevolent dictators of culture who explain everything, apologize for nothing and lend their credibility to anyone willing to pay their fee.
    Bruce Stockler, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The 6-foot-10 lefty allowed three runs — two scored on his throwing error — in a shaky first before settling down, and striking out four.
    CBS News, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Counsell then turned to veteran lefty Caleb Thielbar, who had to work out of a jam.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Liberal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liberal. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

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