liberally
Americanadverb
-
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.
-
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.
-
in large amounts; generously; abundantly.
Sprinkle liberally with paprika, sea salt, and chili oil.
-
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.
-
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.
"We applied it liberally to the leg just to try and get it as slippery as possible to help it to come out. It made all the difference."
From BBC ● Jun. 27, 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
Throughout the conflict, Trump posted on social media frequently and liberally.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 13, 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
His pack was full but unsecured, and personal effects were still liberally distributed around the room.
From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
