as in generously
in a generous manner
she spread frosting liberally over the cake until it oozed over the edges
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 liberally
Orange is the sole accent color and it’s used liberally, appearing on the branding, outsole and contrast stitching.
—
Riley Jones, Footwear News, 9 May 2026
Whereas Game 2 was a physical, choppy and ugly game that looked to be beginning of a nasty series, Game 3 was a special teams party, as the referees liberally called penalty after penalty.
—Mac Engel
april 23, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
Your bread must be liberally buttered.
—Eric Koreen, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
The indexes and hands are liberally coated with Super-LumiNova.
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2026
Several four-letter c-words are used liberally.
—Katherine Turman, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
Mix approximately 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 1 tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent and apply liberally to the stain.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026
The paintings at The Journal Gallery borrow liberally from current events, religion, recent history, the mythos of the Wild West, fascism, and old Hollywood.
—Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026
Breakfast is also served in Patatino with mainstays like Eggs Royal offset by more unusual serves that include an addictive plate of flatbread with honey, ricotta, and grapes, and a feather-light stack of orange-scented pancakes liberally doused in a shiny chocolate sauce.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026
Riley Jones, Footwear News, 9 May 2026
Whereas Game 2 was a physical, choppy and ugly game that looked to be beginning of a nasty series, Game 3 was a special teams party, as the referees liberally called penalty after penalty.
—Mac Engel
april 23, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
Your bread must be liberally buttered.
—Eric Koreen, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
The indexes and hands are liberally coated with Super-LumiNova.
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2026
Several four-letter c-words are used liberally.
—Katherine Turman, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
Mix approximately 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 1 tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent and apply liberally to the stain.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026
The paintings at The Journal Gallery borrow liberally from current events, religion, recent history, the mythos of the Wild West, fascism, and old Hollywood.
—Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026
Breakfast is also served in Patatino with mainstays like Eggs Royal offset by more unusual serves that include an addictive plate of flatbread with honey, ricotta, and grapes, and a feather-light stack of orange-scented pancakes liberally doused in a shiny chocolate sauce.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberally
Adverb
-
Here are this week’s Independent Press Top 40 Bestsellers for fiction, based on sales in hundreds of independent bookstores nationwide, generously provided by the American Booksellers Association.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 May 2026
-
Although not made of real leather, this chic Lovevook weekender bag at Amazon is a wallet-friendly option that looks the part with its faux-leather base and details, and its generously-sized interior and shoe compartment.—
Amanda Eyre Ward,
Travel + Leisure,
2 May 2026
Adverb
-
In light of federal immigration crackdowns, funding cuts and rollbacks to civil rights protections and oversight, how can California better serve vulnerable student populations, including those who are immigrants, are LGBTQ+ and have disabilities?—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
The tension was best presented throughout the third period, as Minnesota had 11 shots on goals to just one from Montreal.—
Theodore Tollefson,
Twin Cities,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Liberally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liberally. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
