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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
Inspired by a format often used on Jubilee, a popular YouTube channel, one conservative student took a seat in the center of a ring of chairs, and liberal audience members jostled to sit across from him and debate him. Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 Labour is losing liberal voters to the growing Green Party and facing a rising Reform UK, the Nigel Farage -led anti-immigration party that consistently leads in nationwide opinion polls. Jill Lawless, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
Noun
Barney Frank, the longtime Democratic congressman and leading liberal who brought new visibility to gay rights and crafted the most significant reforms to the financial system in a generation, has died. Steven Sloan, Fortune, 20 May 2026 Republicans have worked to paint Talarico as a radical liberal who leans too far to the left to represent Texas. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for liberal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberal
Adjective
  • His endorsements are for progressive candidates challenging incumbent Democrats.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • In a crowded field, voters will pick among four candidates who are all different flavors of Democrat, ranging from moderate to much more progressive and aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America.
    Saige Miller, NPR, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Natural materials, generous outdoor space and, above all, privacy and security are the new markers of wealth.
    Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • Now, Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton present a stark choice to voters in the race to be the next governor at a moment when public support for the state’s generous safety net is starting to fray.
    Christine Mai-Duc, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • At least seven of those winners started charitable foundations, and all nine have made significant gifts to local causes.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • Some said a heartfelt card is enough, while others suggested a charitable donation.
    Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Raman is more likely than Bass to pick up the voters who chose community organizer Rae Huang, a leftist who, like Raman, is a DSA member.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 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
  • Given modern advances, many organizations are turning towards auto-triaging by AI services and other digital tools to help ease the burden for physicians.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • One non-negotiable of the modern footballer is good coffee.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Anyone with even a passing interest in Earth’s beauty might feel jealous of Lewis’s sojourn with plentiful tortoises, iguanas, sea lions, and birds, and possibly even more jealous of Darwin’s trip.
    Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026
  • The perks of staying the night in a National Park campground are plentiful.
    Will McGough, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Hostile and benevolent sexism are early indicators of deeper problems.
    Susan Madsen, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • Amazed to discover her treasure-trove apartment, Julián also discovers his own Caribbean heritage and the lively Brooklyn community he is surrounded by, in a loveable, benevolent family-friendly feature.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Springs, a 33-year-old lefty, is expected to start for the A’s in Thursday’s series finale against Giants right-hander Landen Roupp.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
  • Like Hoyer, White Sox GM Chris Getz also overhauled his ’pen after 2025, signing Seranthony Domínguez to a two-year, $20 million deal, acquiring Jordan Hicks from the Boston Red Sox, along with Sandlin, and signing veteran lefty Sean Newcomb.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Liberal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liberal. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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