Meaning & use
illiberal
Not tolerant of differing views; opposed to individual freedom, openness, or progressive reform.
See it in a sentence
Critics accused the new law of being illiberal because it restricted freedom of the press.
The professor argued that banning the speaker outright was itself an illiberal act.
A note on using this word
Illiberal describes attitudes or policies hostile to freedom and open debate, regardless of whether they come from the political left or right.
Words with a similar meaning
intolerantnarrow-minded
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
liberaltolerant
Make it your own
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