liberally
Americanadverb
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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.
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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.
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in large amounts; generously; abundantly.
Sprinkle liberally with paprika, sea salt, and chili oil.
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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.
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in the liberal arts.
What does it mean to be liberally educated in 21st-century America?
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of liberally
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.
State laws on the subject vary considerably, with some prohibiting commercial surrogacy and others liberally permitting it and even issuing parentage orders before birth.
From Slate ● Aug. 20, 2026
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
The Meat Wall has already been liberally deployed through the opening days of the World Cup, notably helping Bosnia-Herzegovina score in the 1-1 draw against Canada.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 15, 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
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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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
