liberalize

verb

lib·​er·​al·​ize ˈli-b(ə-)rə-ˌlīz 

liberalized; liberalizing

transitive verb

: to make liberal or more liberal

intransitive verb

: to become liberal or more liberal

liberalization

ˌli-b(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

liberalizer

ˈli-b(ə-)rə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Examples of liberalize in a Sentence

The country's immigration policies have begun to liberalize.

Recent Examples on the Web

By the 1970s, when liquor laws were liberalized, East Sixth Street was one of the primary magnets for live music, including the original Antone’s. —Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 16 Apr. 2024

When the Soviet Union fell in 1991, pro-Western reformers introduced disruptive changes designed to rapidly liberalize the economy. —Maria Snegovaya, Foreign Affairs, 25 Nov. 2024

But legislative committees last week overwhelmingly approved several proposals liberalizing the church’s stance on sexuality. —Peter Smith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2024

Cuba Trump reversed many of Barack Obama’s executive orders liberalizing trade and travel to Cuba, banning U.S. flights to most Cuban cities and limiting remittances. —Carmen Sesin, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

liberalize

verb

lib·​er·​al·​ize ˈlib(-ə)-rə-ˌlīz 

liberalized; liberalizing

: to make or become liberal or more liberal

liberalization

ˌlib(-ə)-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun