as in left
a political belief stressing progress, the essential goodness of humankind, and individual freedom
liberalism had always claimed to stand for the greatest social good
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 liberalism
This is not a failing of the principles of liberalism, however, but a failure of those entrusted to act in its name.
—
Philip Mullins, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Reminiscent of the violence against labor unions, liberalism, and Black soldiers that followed World War I, Robinson testified against Robeson in a climate that was now being called the second Red Scare.
—Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026
Consensus becomes more difficult Part of this is a uniquely American problem: Like many services, the American health care system is based on economic incentives, and the foundational ideal of American liberalism means the government is inclined to let capitalism thrive.
—Sorelle Wyckoff Gaynor, The Conversation, 7 Jan. 2026
History shows quite clearly that the societies most capable of generosity and liberalism are not those trapped in poverty but those that have escaped it.
—Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for liberalism
Philip Mullins, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Reminiscent of the violence against labor unions, liberalism, and Black soldiers that followed World War I, Robinson testified against Robeson in a climate that was now being called the second Red Scare.
—Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026
Consensus becomes more difficult Part of this is a uniquely American problem: Like many services, the American health care system is based on economic incentives, and the foundational ideal of American liberalism means the government is inclined to let capitalism thrive.
—Sorelle Wyckoff Gaynor, The Conversation, 7 Jan. 2026
History shows quite clearly that the societies most capable of generosity and liberalism are not those trapped in poverty but those that have escaped it.
—Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for liberalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberalism
left
Noun
-
The two-lane outdoor path is shared by pedestrians (on the right) and bicyclists (on the left).—
Katie James Watkinson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Savannah, with her sister to her right and her brother to her left, read from a sheet of paper.—
Paige Williams,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Liberalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liberalism. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
