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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.

Drawing liberally from fashion, art history and everyday life, she often dresses the subjects of her portraits in puffer jackets — garments she wears herself during the cold winters of Granada, Spain, where she lives.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2026

Even when he ascended to the White House, he deployed the expression liberally, often aiming it at his staff and Cabinet members.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

Because they are short of the one thing that regular shows liberally use - time.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 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

It was the tip of a lead pencil, broken off and wrapped up and presented along with a card that said, “A gross of commas, to be used liberally throughout the year as needed.”

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

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