liberalism

noun

ˈli-b(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce liberalism (audio)
Definition of liberalismnext
as in left
a political belief stressing progress, the essential goodness of humankind, and individual freedom liberalism had always claimed to stand for the greatest social good

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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 liberalism And Jonathan is a continuing reminder that liberalism doesn’t have to be apologetic or bashful about itself. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026 The primary victory on Tuesday by another democratic socialist, Melat Kiros, for a Denver congressional seat suggested the trend may extend beyond Manhattan liberalism. — Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Remember, the heroic symbols that Ronald Reagan deployed so effectively were swiped from liberalism’s salad days in the Thirties and Forties. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 The dominant normative theory across most of the modern world is derived from liberalism, as expressed in such classic early works as John Stuart Mill’s essay On Liberty, published in 1859. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for liberalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberalism
left
Noun
  • On the left, Harvey Barnes is currently first-choice, while Newcastle agreed a deal potentially rising to around £50million for Bazoumana Toure in July.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Everyone’s favorite party snack—on the left, on the right, young, old—is pigs in a blanket.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of left

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liberal
liberalism
liberality
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Cite this Entry

“Liberalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liberalism. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on liberalism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about liberalism

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