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
But today, the most important political cleft is not the fading distinction between right and left, but the rising conflict between liberal and illiberal, democratic and autocratic.
—
David Frum, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025
The rise of illiberal leaders in countries such as Brazil, India, Israel, the Philippines, Turkey, and the United States has also created a more congenial setting for the spread of these narratives.
—Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
In Italy, Putin has nurtured personal relations with the illiberal nationalist leader Matteo Salvini.
—Michael McFaul, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
In 2015, the Syrian refugee crisis contributed to the destabilization of European politics, fueling Brexit and a rise in illiberal governance.
—Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illiberal
David Frum, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025
The rise of illiberal leaders in countries such as Brazil, India, Israel, the Philippines, Turkey, and the United States has also created a more congenial setting for the spread of these narratives.
—Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
In Italy, Putin has nurtured personal relations with the illiberal nationalist leader Matteo Salvini.
—Michael McFaul, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
In 2015, the Syrian refugee crisis contributed to the destabilization of European politics, fueling Brexit and a rise in illiberal governance.
—Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illiberal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illiberal
Adjective
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Brian Colbert ran on a parochial platform focused on garden-variety local issues.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2025
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In his quest for a definitive biography of Joyce as a cosmopolitan artist, above the parochial fray, Ellmann downplayed Joyce’s interest in politics.—
Eric Bulson,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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The 2026 battle for the Senate Republicans currently control the U.S. Senate 53-47, a narrow majority that has nonetheless helped shepherd GOP priorities through Congress along party lines.—
Riley Beggin,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
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The class approved in New Hampshire is slightly narrower than that sought by the plaintiffs, who wanted to include parents, but attorneys said that wouldn't make a material difference.—
HOLLY RAMER,
arkansasonline.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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The comics were often dismissed as a vulgar form, but the bad joke of our superhero-movie culture is that most of it is a vulgarization of the comics.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
8 July 2025
-
Nan’s rebellion was never loud or vulgar but always quietly confident and effortlessly elegant.—
Felicity Carter,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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This ultra-lightweight chair weighs just 3 pounds and packs into a carrying case the size of a small purse.—
Melanie Fincher,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper and garlic powder.—
Bethany Thayer,
Freep.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Only the Ku Klux Klan could enjoy such bigoted and nonsensical statements.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
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This concern over harmful or bigoted speech is not new.—
Jacob Mchangama,
The Conversation,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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Brandi Glanville & Lisa Vanderpump (RHOBH) Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photo: Kelsey McNeal/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Lisa and Brandi were an odd fit from the start: Brandi, the crass newbie; Lisa Vanderpump, the grande dame of Beverly Hills.—
Eddie Mouradian,
Vulture,
11 June 2025
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Most Popular Most Popular Asking Eric: The parents refuse to cut their trip short despite their teen’s crisis Asking Eric: The parents refuse to cut their trip short despite their teen's crisis Dear Abby: Is there a way to tell the crass shirttail relations that they’re not invited?—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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While Lian was staring in the mirror practicing her hows and lows and preparing for her future, Wenyu was sneaking out of prep class more and more frequently to pull petty pranks with her new boyfriend.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 July 2025
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Seventy-five years later, some of the Tribune’s criticisms seem petty.—
Ron Grossman,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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But in addition to the provincial capitals of Valencia, Alicante and Castellón de la Plana, and the pretty little beach towns along the Costa Blanca, Valencia is also home to thousands of farms.—
Sofia Perez,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
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Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke recently about plans to speed up construction on one of his country's dams, and invited provincial discussions on how to increase the country's water storage capacity after India suspended the treaty.—
Betsy Joles,
NPR,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illiberal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illiberal. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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