libertine 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of libertinenext
as in corrupt
having or showing lowered moral character or standards his libertine sister had got caught up in the urban drug scene and had died of an overdose

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

libertine

2 of 2

noun

ˈli-bər-ˌtēn How to pronounce libertine (audio)
as in pervert
a person who has sunk below the normal moral standard the legend of Don Juan depicts him as a playboy and libertine

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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 libertine
Adjective
If there really was a class of unaccountable, libertine global élites plundering the world, then wasn’t Trump obviously a member? — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026 Following Matthew Perry's death in 2023, the actress reflected on her time portraying his character's memorable mother, the libertine erotic novelist Nora Bing. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Nov. 2025
Noun
But, like a libertine desiring undiscovered pleasures, his appetite for new sensations only seemed to grow with time. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2026 Last night, designer Aaron Esh—and generations of libertines old and new—brought the legendary British high street superbrand AllSaints back to its roots. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for libertine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for libertine
  1. corrupt
  2. pervert
  3. degraded
  4. degenerate
  5. sick
  6. dissolute
Adjective
  • Nora was impacted by a corrupt boss and his choice to cover up a crime, which simultaneously tanked her own career ambition.
    — Caitlin White, Variety, 10 Nov. 2026
  • The voters repudiated the president in every way, growing tired of his lies, corrupt administration, unqualified Cabinet members, tariffs, needless wars, ongoing inflation, and undignified and boorish behavior.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of corrupt
Noun
  • Hansen, who left NBC in 2013 but remains a leader in the pervert-ambushing space, has spoken about having considered a sting operation against Jeffrey Epstein in 2015.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026
  • This blatant fealty over objectivity perverts the process by choosing personal loyalists instead of independent public servants.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of pervert
Adjective
  • Building codes should reward practices that preserve vegetation, reduce compaction, and restore degraded land.
    — Mark Trebilcock, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026
  • In my experience, degraded fluid can sometimes cause clutch chatter, vibration, or a humming noise.
    — John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of degraded
Noun
  • There were the other kids in my grade who were not, like, degenerates, but didn’t try hard and were disruptive.
    — Elissa Strauss, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026
  • All the characters in ‘The Pineapple’ are degenerates, and this show invites you to become one as well.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of degenerate
Adjective
  • Federal prosecutors allege that Davis recruited people for an associated scheme involving the submission of fraudulent claims for sick and family leave credits and employee retention credits.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The virus lives on surfaces and in the air two hours after a sick person leaves the room.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of sick
Adjective
  • The once-promising prodigy will grow dissolute, remorseful and resentful of his wife, who outlives him.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • But this replacement adoption has strings attached, in the form of a father (Fabrizio Odetto) who’d already been trying to get Giulia away from his dissolute ex, and is not about to hand her over to some rich third party.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 30 July 2026
Definition of dissolute

Browse Nearby Words

libertinage
libertine
libertines
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Cite this Entry

“Libertine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/libertine. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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