English · Word Candidate

libertarian

/ˌlɪbəˈtɛə̯ɹi.ən/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: libertarians

Sense 1

Meaning · English

One who advocates liberty, either generally or in relation to a specific issue.

Noun

Examples

civil libertarian

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A believer in the freedom of thinking beings to choose their own destiny (the doctrine of free will) as opposed to those who believe the future is predetermined (the doctrine of necessity).

Noun

Examples

[W]here is the difference betvveen the Libertarian, vvho ſays that the mind chuſes the motive; and the Neceſſarian, vvho aſſerts that the motive determines the mind; if the volition be the neceſſary reſult of all the previous circumſtances?

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Advocating liberty; also, having a relative tendency towards liberty.

Adjective

Examples

He has libertarian views.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Relating to the doctrine of free will as opposed to the doctrine of necessity.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “libertarian” mean?

One who advocates liberty, either generally or in relation to a specific issue.

Is “libertarian” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.