conservative

²conservative

noun

Definition of CONSERVATIVE

1

a : an adherent or advocate of political conservatism b capitalized : a member or supporter of a conservative political party

2

a : one who adheres to traditional methods or views b : a cautious or discreet person

Examples of CONSERVATIVE

1. His message is being well received by conservatives.
2. <proposed legislation that was opposed by conservatives throughout the state>

First Known Use of CONSERVATIVE

1831

Related to CONSERVATIVE

Synonyms: archconservative, paleoconservative, reactionary, rightist, right-winger, Tory, traditionalist

Antonyms: leftist, left-winger, lefty, liberal, progressive

Related Words: right, right-wing; conformist; neocon, neoconservative; diehard, standpatter; bourbon, Colonel Blimp, fuddy-duddy, square, stuffed shirt

Near Antonyms: extremist, radical, red, revolutionary, revolutionist; reformer, reformist

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Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

Rhymes with CONSERVATIVE

preservative