broad-minded

adjective

broad-mind·​ed ˈbrȯd-ˈmīn-dəd 

-ˌmīn-

1

: tolerant of varied views

2

: inclined to condone minor departures from conventional behavior

broad-mindedly adverb

broad-mindedness noun

Synonyms

• liberal
• nonconventional
• nonorthodox
• nontraditional
• open-minded
• progressive
• radical
• unconventional
• unorthodox

Examples of broad-minded in a Sentence

a broad-minded philosophy of parenting

we have to be broad-minded on this issue, since traditional solutions no longer work

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead of articulating a compelling vision that could spark a broad-minded counterpunch to narrow-minded populism, Newsom has taken an oddly defeatist course in his first podcasts. —Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025

Jewish groups that are more broad-minded and sensible reacted with concern over the fate of the hostages and revulsion at the entire idea. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2025

The poet Robert Frost once said that a liberal is someone too broad-minded to take his own side in a fight. —Rich Lowry, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Intelligent, beautiful, 18 to 25, broad-minded, sensitive, affectionate. —Adrienne Raphel, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024

Zweig is characteristically perceptive on the subject: Obviously, a week after Hitler had come to power the idea of monstrous events such as the burning and public execration of books, to become fact a few months later, was still beyond the comprehension of broad-minded people. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 25 Nov. 2024

In his view, modern artists weren’t educated or broad-minded enough to break new ground. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024

Yes, Trump contradicted the business establishment on trade and immigration, and some Republican legislators have criticized corporations for being too broad-minded on social issues. —Timothy Noah, Washington Post, 9 July 2024

Omitted from the weekend’s broad-minded lineup was Blake Bailey, its author. —Hannah Gold, Harper's Magazine, 3 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for broad-minded

• rescinded
• winded

Kids Definition

broad-minded

adjective

broad-mind·​ed

ˈbrȯd-ˈmīn-dəd

: willing to accept opinions, beliefs, or practices that are unusual or different from one's own

broad-mindedly adverb

broad-mindedness noun