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Is the word liberal the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes.

The word "liberal" is identical in spelling, meaning, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are more open and clearly articulated, and the rhythm is more melodic. In Continental Portuguese, vowels in unstressed syllables (such as the "e" in li-be-ral) are "reduced" or more closed, making them sound much shorter or nearly swallowed ([li.bɐ.ˈɾal]).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Ele tem ideias muito liberais. (He has very liberal ideas.)
  2. O governo adotou uma política econômica liberal. (The government adopted a liberal economic policy.)
  3. Ela é uma pessoa muito liberal em relação à moda. (She is a very liberal/open-minded person regarding fashion.)
  4. Esse partido é conhecido por ser liberal. (This party is known for being liberal.)
  5. Precisamos de uma reforma liberal no sistema de saúde. (We need a liberal reform in the health system.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. Ele tem ideias muito liberais. (He has very liberal ideas.)
  2. O governo adotou uma política económica liberal. (The government adopted a liberal economic policy.)
  3. Ela é uma pessoa muito liberal no que toca à moda. (She is a very liberal/open-minded person regarding fashion.)
  4. Esse partido é conhecido por ser liberal. (This party is known for being liberal.)
  5. Uma reforma liberal no sistema de saúde é necessária. (A liberal reform in the health system is necessary.)