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Definition of liberalnext
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liberal

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective liberal contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of liberal are bountiful, generous, and munificent. While all these words mean "giving or given freely and unstintingly," liberal suggests openhandedness in the giver and largeness in the thing or amount given.

a teacher liberal with her praise

When could bountiful be used to replace liberal?

The words bountiful and liberal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bountiful suggests lavish, unremitting giving or providing.

children spoiled by bountiful presents

When is generous a more appropriate choice than liberal?

The synonyms generous and liberal are sometimes interchangeable, but generous stresses warmhearted readiness to give more than size or importance of the gift.

a generous offer of help

In what contexts can munificent take the place of liberal?

While the synonyms munificent and liberal are close in meaning, munificent suggests a scale of giving appropriate to lords or princes.

a munificent foundation grant

How does the adjective liberal contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of liberal are bountiful, generous, and munificent. While all these words mean "giving or given freely and unstintingly," liberal suggests openhandedness in the giver and largeness in the thing or amount given.

a teacher liberal with her praise

When could bountiful be used to replace liberal?

The words bountiful and liberal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bountiful suggests lavish, unremitting giving or providing.

children spoiled by bountiful presents

When is generous a more appropriate choice than liberal?

The synonyms generous and liberal are sometimes interchangeable, but generous stresses warmhearted readiness to give more than size or importance of the gift.

a generous offer of help

In what contexts can munificent take the place of liberal?

While the synonyms munificent and liberal are close in meaning, munificent suggests a scale of giving appropriate to lords or princes.

a munificent foundation grant

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 liberal
Adjective
During almost three decades of living in Georgia’s conservative northwest corner, Kimberly Seals got used to keeping her liberal opinions to herself. ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026 Protests against the Vietnam War galvanized young voters and liberal Democrats. Susan Page, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
Merz is a conservative Atlanticist and unapologetic economic liberal. Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026 Though Reiner, a lifelong liberal, disagreed with Kirk's conservative beliefs, the filmmaker's remarks about the incident emphasized the importance of nonviolence. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liberal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberal
Adjective
  • In the movie, which was progressive for its time, the trans character attempts suicide after being subjected to emotional and physical abuse by the manipulative Sonny, who tries to make amends by going rogue and stealing money for their surgery.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Upstairs, Riva Terrace is a super-fun warm-weather spot for Italian small plates and progressive cocktails like First Light (a pineapple-run creation infused with ginger and ginseng) overlooking the outdoor pool and the office buildings of downtown.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Our expert take The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a no-annual-fee card that earns generous cash-back on everyday purchases and a lucrative welcome bonus.
    Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Beyond that, generous child-care support should be provided to low-income families to pay providers of their choice.
    Abby McCloskey, Boston Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Inflated charitable deduction schemes Some tax schemes encourage taxpayers to claim inflated deductions for non-cash donations, such as artwork, property or conservation easements.
    Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
  • This is a company that is outside of Minnesota and Allina is a nonprofit with Minnesota charitable assets.
    Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Petro, a leftist who was a member of a rebel group in his youth, has attempted to stage peace talks with Colombia’s remaining rebel groups under a strategy known as total peace.
    Manuel Rueda, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
  • In nearby Venezuela, the rise of President Hugo Chávez, a leftist, in 1999 meant oil and aid began flowing again.
    Carmen Sesin, NBC news, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But this modern approach is teamed with ancient medicinal practices and a holistic, full-circle philosophy.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Those are just some of the ways in which the three elements have become critical for modern manufacturing, including for defense.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The service Casually dressed in khaki and terracotta linen and Vans sneakers, the young staff are plentiful but not always on point.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Etebari, who spoke Friday night at a Valparaiso International Center event, noted that Iran has the world’s second-largest copper mine as well as plentiful gas, oil and coal.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • McTeigue created subtle variations on the mask so that V could look slightly more sinister or benevolent depending on the lighting.
    Matthew Huff, IndieWire, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The primary seller gets to look benevolent, having kept prices low for fans.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Royals added insurance in the eighth on a solo homer by Isaac Collins against lefty Kody Funderburk.
    David Brown, Twin Cities, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Minter’s build-up has gone smoothly, and an early May return remains possible for the lefty.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Liberal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liberal. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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