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Showing results for liberally.
Synonyms

liberally

American  
[lib-er-uh-lee, lib-ruh-lee] / ˈlɪb ər ə li, ˈlɪb rə li /

adverb

  1. in a way that is favorable to progress or reform, or that reflects the views of a political party advocating this.

    He voted a lot more liberally than he campaigned, which may have had something to do with his reelection loss.

  2. in a way that is not bound by traditional or conventional ideas or values, especially prejudice or bigotry.

    Our goal is to be an intentionally open, intellectual, and liberally inclusive community.

  3. in large amounts; generously; abundantly.

    Sprinkle liberally with paprika, sea salt, and chili oil.

  4. in a way that is not strict, literal, or rigorous.

    This charter shall be liberally and broadly construed in favor of allowing the city to exercise its power.

    The story was liberally adapted from a popular Chinese folk tale.

  5. in the liberal arts.

    What does it mean to be liberally educated in 21st-century America?


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of liberally

liberal ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That’s where “mother” has come home to roost, now applied as liberally to pop stars as it is screen sirens, influencers and Food Network hosts.

From Salon • May 10, 2026

Critics come in for harsher abuse, but Mr. Ireland spreads around his comical scorn about the vanities and hypocrisies of theater folk liberally.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

She drew liberally on her own experiences in the music industry to portray the fictional Charli's reactions.

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

The point is made, not for the first time, that for women, slaves and natives, the hope that liberty would be more liberally applied was not fulfilled.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2025

However, Denna had been liberally dosed with charcoal, which effectively reduced that by a half.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

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