liberalize

[ lib-er-uh-lahyz, lib-ruh- ]

/ ˈlɪb ər əˌlaɪz, ˈlɪb rə- /

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verb (used with or without object), lib·er·al·ized, lib·er·al·iz·ing.

to make or become liberal.

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Also especially British, lib·er·al·ise .

Origin of liberalize

First recorded in 1765–75; liberal + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM liberalize

lib·er·al·i·za·tion

[lib-er-uh-lahy-zey-shuhn, lib-ruh-], /ˌlɪb ər əˌlaɪˈzeɪ ʃən, ˌlɪb rə-/, nounlib·er·al·iz·er, nouno·ver·lib·er·al·ize, verb, o·ver·lib·er·al·ized, o·ver·lib·er·al·iz·ing.un·lib·er·al·ized·, adjective

Words nearby liberalize

liberal elite, Liberalia, liberalism, liberality, liberalization, liberalize, Liberal Judaism, liberally, Liberal party, liberal studies, Liberal Unionist

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use liberalize in a sentence

He spoke of liberalizing travel and reestablishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.
What the Protests in Cuba Mean for the Future of Communism and U.S. Relations|Ian Bremmer|July 16, 2021|Time
Whatever he says publicly to reassure the party’s old guard that his watchword remains “continuity,” Diaz-Canel’s actions suggest he understands the need to gradually liberalize Cuba’s economy.
What the Protests in Cuba Mean for the Future of Communism and U.S. Relations|Ian Bremmer|July 16, 2021|Time
Economic integration leads to heightened competition and structural changes in economies that participate in liberalized free trade areas, resulting in job losses in industries unable to compete.
The NAFTA mistakes that Africa’s largest trade agreement can avoid|Yaw Okyere Thompson|May 17, 2021|Quartz
Los Angeles has refused to respond to its massive housing shortage by liberalizing its zoning laws.
Los Angeles’s quixotic quest to end homelessness|Jerusalem Demsas|May 14, 2021|Vox

Globally, though, the divorce rate has more than doubled in the last four decades, as many countries liberalize their divorce laws and women gain more economic opportunity.
Should You Get Divorced?|Nick Fouriezos|March 4, 2021|Ozy
Sure, it wouldn't be easy; even Bassam suffers some setbacks on his quest to single-handedly liberalize Abbudin.
Generic and Superficial ‘Tyrant’ Amerisplains the Middle East|Andrew Romano|June 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Thinking to liberalize it, he commenced to draw up a series of reforms or projects, which were ingenious, to say the least.
The Reign of Greed|Jose Rizal
"Tell me about this primary," said Peter, concluding that abstract political philosophy was not the way to liberalize Dennis.
The Honorable Peter Stirling and What People Thought of Him|Paul Leicester Ford
The provinces were encouraged to liberalize their franchise regulations, but not to abandon the prevailing electoral system.
The Governments of Europe|Frederic Austin Ogg
Perhaps, also, it may sometimes have a contrary effect, and elevate and liberalize the feelings.
The Works of Daniel Webster, Volume 1|Daniel Webster
One is the desire to liberalize Christianity and make it more inclusive.
Nine O'Clock Talks|Frederic B. Kellogg

British Dictionary definitions for liberalize

liberalize

liberalise

/ (ˈlɪbərəˌlaɪz, ˈlɪbrə-) /

verb

to make or become liberal

Derived forms of liberalize

liberalization or liberalisation, nounliberalizer or liberaliser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012