LIBERAL Synonyms: 210 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

liberal 1 of 2

adjective

ˈli-b(ə-)rəl

Definition of liberal next

as in progressive

not bound by traditional ways or beliefs parents who take a very liberal attitude toward letting their children stay out late

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in generous

being more than enough without being excessive he always puts liberal amounts of grated cheese on his pizza

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in charitable

giving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation a doctor who has been very liberal in dispensing low-cost care to patients who could not otherwise afford it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

liberal

2 of 2

noun

as in leftist

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of liberal

Adjective

Both camps seek, above all, to weaken and topple authoritarian regimes, and to replace them with leaders and government forms that better fit the idiosyncratic mold of Western liberal democracy. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 These challenges came from autocratic populists within liberal democracies as well as from blocs of countries that offered an alternative to American hegemony. —

Ben Rhodes, Foreign Affairs, 13 Dec. 2024

Noun

White liberals tend to determine whether their definitions have been met using algorithmic methods. —

Jessi Streib, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 The court split 5-4, however, with liberals then in the majority, on what that meant going forward. —

Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 16 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for liberal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for liberal

Adjective

Believing in thriving together, PETRONAS adopts progressive collaboration models alongside its CCS endeavor, enabling new growth opportunities for players and exemplifying how pursuing sustainability can also maintain the vibrancy of existing businesses.

PETRONAS Contributor, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
In February, the broadcast veteran shared she had been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia, a rare nervous system syndrome, and dementia.

DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 16 Dec. 2024