liberalize

verb

lib·​er·​al·​ize ˈli-b(ə-)rə-ˌlīz How to pronounce liberalize (audio)
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 How to pronounce liberalize (audio)
noun
liberalizer
ˈli-b(ə-)rə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce liberalize (audio)
noun

Examples of liberalize in a Sentence

The country's immigration policies have begun to liberalize.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Independent power producers supply about 40% of total capacity under long-term contracts signed after electricity generation was liberalized in the late 1990s. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 Dictators who liberalize then risk alienating their ruling coalition. — José Kaire, The Conversation, 17 July 2026 Phu Quoc is a magnet for Indian travelers, with arrivals surging nearly 50% last year amid new direct flights and liberalized e-visa rules. — Aniruddha Ghosal, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026 The ultraconservative breakaway group, which celebrates the Traditional Latin Mass and rejects the liberalizing reforms implemented by the Second Vatican Council, has been at odds with the Vatican for decades. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for liberalize

Word History

Etymology

liberal entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of liberalize was in 1765

Rhymes for liberalize

See All Rhymes for liberalize

Browse Nearby Words

liberalization
liberalize
liberalizer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Liberalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liberalize. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

liberalize

verb
lib·​er·​al·​ize ˈlib(-ə)-rə-ˌlīz How to pronounce liberalize (audio)
liberalized; liberalizing
: to make or become liberal or more liberal
liberalization
ˌlib(-ə)-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce liberalize (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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