illiberal meaning and examples

Meaning

Illiberal means not generous, narrow-minded, or opposed to freedom. It often describes a person, idea, or system that restricts freedom of thought or behavior and lacks tolerance toward others’ views.

Grammar and Usage

• Part of speech: Adjective

• Used to describe people, actions, or policies.

• Common structures:

  • illiberal attitude / view / policy / society
  • be illiberal toward someone / something

It can refer to:

1. Lack of freedom (e.g., authoritarian systems).
2. Lack of generosity or tolerance (e.g., narrow-minded individuals).
3. Lack of broad education or taste (archaic usage).

Common Phrases

• illiberal democracy – a government that holds elections but restricts civil liberties.
• illiberal attitude – an intolerant or closed-minded way of thinking.
• illiberal policy – a policy limiting freedom or equality.

Collocations

• illiberal regime / government
• illiberal thinking / mentality
• illiberal society / system
• illiberal behavior / laws
• illiberal toward critics / minorities

Examples

1. The country’s illiberal government suppresses free speech and the press.
2. His illiberal attitude toward other religions caused many disagreements.
3. Critics warned that the new law represents an illiberal shift in politics.
4. She was surprisingly illiberal for someone so well-educated.
5. The organization condemned the illiberal measures imposed by the authorities.
6. An illiberal democracy often maintains elections but undermines human rights.
7. Their illiberal policies discourage creativity and innovation.
8. The leader’s illiberal stance drew international criticism.
9. Education should combat illiberal thinking.
10. The novel portrays an illiberal society that fears change.

Synonyms or Related

• intolerant
• narrow-minded
• authoritarian
• restrictive
• prejudiced

Antonym

• liberal
• open-minded
• tolerant
• progressive