liberal arts

NOUN

general knowledge studies

Synonyms

STRONGEST

mathematics

WEAK

general education history language liberal studies literature philosophy science trivium and quadrivium

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Recovering from the death of her brother, her physical health suffered while she studied her liberal arts degree at the University of Nottingham, affecting her second year grades.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Outside students from a liberal arts college are practiced in abstract analytical thinking—how institutions are made, what purpose they serve, for whom.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

“Vladimir” began shooting in July 2025 in Toronto, which stood in for an undefined liberal arts college town.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

I am going to have to pick on liberal arts majors.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

My sister is going to a “small liberal arts college back East” called Sarah Lawrence.

From "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky