1
as in parochial
not broad or open in views or opinions
an illiberal society that viewed any artistic depiction of the nude as inherently indecent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in narrow
unwilling to grant other people social rights or to accept other viewpoints
some of the more illiberal residents were opposed to having a hospice for AIDS patients in the neighborhood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in vulgar
archaic
lacking in refinement or good taste
people who had been scorned as illiberal because they were poor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illiberal
In Italy, Putin has nurtured personal relations with the illiberal nationalist leader Matteo Salvini.
—
Michael McFaul, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
Today, the most obvious examples of this backsliding can be found in Asia, where an increasingly assertive China is attempting to redraw the regional rules of the road, and in Europe, where Russian rubles and wan Western politicians have helped prompt the rise of illiberal parties.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Second, Africa's declining support for democracy provides a clear opening for illiberal actors.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
To illiberal states that sought to build or rebuild their own empires, the liberal order looked not enticing but oppressive.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illiberal
Michael McFaul, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
Today, the most obvious examples of this backsliding can be found in Asia, where an increasingly assertive China is attempting to redraw the regional rules of the road, and in Europe, where Russian rubles and wan Western politicians have helped prompt the rise of illiberal parties.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Second, Africa's declining support for democracy provides a clear opening for illiberal actors.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
To illiberal states that sought to build or rebuild their own empires, the liberal order looked not enticing but oppressive.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illiberal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illiberal
Adjective
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The plum political prize, of course, will be deciding how congressional districts are drawn, perhaps giving this parochial court a major say in which party—and its preferred Speaker—gets to run the U.S. House.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
31 Mar. 2025
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There is nothing more parochial or bland than being a soft, white Anglican kid from Ottawa.—
Graydon Carter,
The Atlantic,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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On Saturday, the narrow field caused both teams to adapt to tighter spaces and quicker play.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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Encircled by ancient stone walls, the village feels suspended in time, with narrow cobbled streets, where artisans’ shops, small galleries, and charming cafés are tucked into old white houses outlined in blue, blending seamlessly with the historic character.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The comments in screen shots of the chat room were demeaning and vulgar – as were the texts from the anonymous messenger who had sent her the images.—
Yoonjung Seo and Mike Valerio,
CNN Money,
25 Apr. 2025
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Where once was the vulgar, now lies the Vulgate, a common relatable almost religious experience that all at Barclays seemed to feel.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In 2022, a consortium of private retirement-plan providers announced a collaboration to boost the portability of small retirement accounts.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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Though the alpha-hydroxy acid is an all-star of an active, its rewards aren’t without some small risks—mainly, irritation and sensitivity if used incorrectly.—
Emily Orofino,
Vogue,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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There is perhaps no one with direct access to the president who has been as outwardly and vociferously racist and bigoted.—
Ali Breland,
The Atlantic,
5 Apr. 2025
-
At its worst, her rhetoric is bigoted and myopic, perpetuating antiblack stereotypes in her psychosexual analysis of racial hierarchy in the United States.—
Audrey Wollen,
Harpers Magazine,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Alfonso goes head-to-head against a crass but famous on social media CEO Shari de Jesus (Kyline Alcantara), who is being mentored by a powerful industry veteran Velma Imperial (Ruffa Gutierrez).—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
20 Apr. 2025
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Trump sued Maher in 2013 for $5 million after the comedian made a crass joke about his mother and an orangutan.—
Steff Danielle Thomas,
The Hill,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Days later, the California native hopped on X and taunted the Honestly Nevermind producer with a series of petty insults.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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The real worry, though, is their kids one day finding everything online—a fear more relatable than petty.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Whereas the Romans allied with provincial elites, enabling them to benefit from the empire’s success, the Han rulers attempted to weaken the local elites by forcing powerful families to resettle in or near the capital.—
Rosie McCall,
Discover Magazine,
8 Apr. 2025
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One model he's suggested is that of a federal configuration divided into provincial units that could be tasked with local decision-making on issues such as education while still answering to a common central government.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illiberal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illiberal. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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