liberal liberal /ˈlɪˌbɝːəl/

adjective

1. () Showing or characterized by broad-mindedness  ( broad , large-minded , tolerant , liberal )
   showing or characterized by broad-mindedness
    A broad political stance
   a broad political stance
    Generous and broad sympathies
   generous and broad sympathies
    A liberal newspaper
   a liberal newspaper
    Tolerant of his opponent's opinions
   tolerant of his opponent's opinions
   
2. () Having political or social views favoring reform and progress  ( liberal )
   having political or social views favoring reform and progress
     She held liberal views on social issues.
   She held liberal views on social issues.
   
3. () Tolerant of change; not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or tradition  ( liberal )
   tolerant of change; not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or tradition
   
4. () Given or giving freely  ( big , bighearted , bounteous , bountiful , freehanded , giving , handsome , liberal , openhanded )
   given or giving freely
    Was a big tipper
   was a big tipper
    The bounteous goodness of God
   the bounteous goodness of God
    Bountiful compliments
   bountiful compliments
    A freehanded host
   a freehanded host
    A handsome allowance
   a handsome allowance
    Saturday's child is loving and giving
   Saturday's child is loving and giving
    A liberal backer of the arts
   a liberal backer of the arts
    A munificent gift
   a munificent gift
    Her fond and openhanded grandfather
   her fond and openhanded grandfather
   
5. Not literal  ( free , liberal , loose )
   not literal
    A loose interpretation of what she had been told
   a loose interpretation of what she had been told
    A free translation of the poem
   a free translation of the poem
   

noun

1. () A person who favors a political philosophy of progress and reform and the protection of civil liberties  ( liberalist , progressive , liberal )
   a person who favors a political philosophy of progress and reform and the protection of civil liberties
     The liberal politician advocated for progressive social policies and equal rights.
   The liberal politician advocated for progressive social policies and equal rights.
   
   
2. () A person who favors an economic theory of laissez-faire and self-regulating markets  ( liberal )
   a person who favors an economic theory of laissez-faire and self-regulating markets
    As a liberal, she believes in progressive reforms for the betterment of society.
   As a liberal, she believes in progressive reforms for the betterment of society.