liberalism

noun

ˈli-b(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce liberalism (audio)
Definition of liberalismnext
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

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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 Remember, the heroic symbols that Ronald Reagan deployed so effectively were swiped from liberalism’s salad days in the Thirties and Forties. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 California is a kind of crystal ball for American liberalism more than many people realize. — Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 2 June 2026 The dominant normative theory across most of the modern world is derived from liberalism, as expressed in such classic early works as John Stuart Mill’s essay On Liberty, published in 1859. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026 Brad Little’s liberalism is screaming for attention! — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for liberalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberalism
left
Noun
  • Mandarin Oriental regulars will know to look for the hotel’s signature fan, which hangs to the left of the entrance.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Their father devoured his meal, slurping up soup with his right hand and swallowing bread spread with miso paste with his left.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of left

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liberal
liberalism
liberality
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Cite this Entry

“Liberalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liberalism. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on liberalism

Nglish: Translation of liberalism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about liberalism

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