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 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 Erdoğan first emerged during the post-Cold War decade of unipolar, American triumph, adopting the language of free markets, liberalism, and human rights, and stretched those politics of optimism into the brief euphoria of the Obama years. — Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 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 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 See All Example Sentences for liberalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberalism
left
Noun
  • Shortstop Miguel Rojas, who botched a grounder to his left earlier in the inning that enabled a run to score, was late breaking to cover third, leaving the bag wide open.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • In addition to the overhead storage above the main lower floor, the HS 640 has a wardrobe to the left of the entry door.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 July 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 9 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on liberalism

Nglish: Translation of liberalism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about liberalism

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