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Est. 1828
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libertarian
lib·er·tar·i·an
ˌli-bər-ˈter-ē-ən
-ˈte-rē-
Synonyms of libertarian
1
: an advocate of the doctrine of free will
2
a
: a person who upholds the principles of individual liberty especially of thought and action
b
capitalized
: a member of a political party advocating libertarian principles
libertarian
adjective
libertarianism
ˌli-bər-ˈter-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm
-ˈte-rē-
noun
Examples of libertarian in a Sentence
As civil libertarians have said, the best response to objectionable speech is more speech.
—Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2024
Horning has run as a libertarian in past elections, including the 8th Congressional District in 2014, 2016 and 2022.
—Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 13 May 2024
In the past, civil libertarians were able to head such legislation off, but that’s become harder in the current fevered climate.
—Michelle Goldberg, The Mercury News, 8 May 2024
American civil libertarians of the past once understood that inherent in the right to protest was the obligation to respect the right of people with differing views to protest as well.
—Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for libertarian
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'libertarian.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of libertarian was
in 1789
See more words from the same year
Phrases Containing libertarian
●
anti-libertarian
Dictionary Entries Near libertarian
Libertad
libertarian
libertas e fidelitate
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Cite this Entry
“Libertarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/libertarian. Accessed 11 Jun. 2024.
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Kids Definition
libertarian
noun
lib·er·tar·i·an
ˌlib-ər-ˈter-ē-ən
: a person who believes in liberty of thought and action
libertarian
adjective
libertarianism
-ē-ə-ˌniz-əm
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on libertarian
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for libertarian
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