conservative

noun

plural conservatives

: a person who is conservative (see conservative entry 1): such as

a

: an adherent or advocate of conservatism (see conservatism sense 1) and especially political conservatism

Appointed as a conservative, [Sandra Day] O'Connor became known as a centrist, supporting traditional boundaries between church and state and writing an opinion justifying race-conscious admissions in law schools.

—Mariana Alfaro

Advocates often focus on the right to seek asylum under U.S. law, while conservatives argue that current operations let in too many people unlikely to merit protection.

—Sarah Matusek

Many conservatives see concerns about climate change overblown, and a losing issue with their voters.

—Tim Hanharan

[Abraham] Lincoln the politician was a master of misdirection, of appearing to appease conservatives while manipulating them toward acceptance of radical policies.

—James M. McPherson

A fiscal conservative advocates for small government and low taxes but is open to higher taxes if necessary to erase deficits. That kind of thinking defined the Republican Party for most of the 20th century.

—Jackie Calmes

see also social conservative

b

Conservative plural Conservatives : a member or supporter of a Conservative (see conservative entry 1 sense 1b) political party

the Conservatives in Parliament

c

: a person who adheres to traditional methods or views

a conservative in dress and manner

She [musician Clara Schumann] was a conservative who represented integrity and tradition, as opposed to the flaming virtuosity of Liszt and the "music of the future" of Wagner.

—Harold C. Schonberg

Synonyms of conservative

• Tory
• traditionalist
• rightist
• archconservative
• reactionary
• right-winger
• right

Examples of conservative in a Sentence

His message is being well received by conservatives.

proposed legislation that was opposed by conservatives throughout the state

Recent Examples on the Web

Graham has handily won each of his reelection bids in the past, but his support for Israel and the Iran war has created an opening for other conservatives to enter the fray. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 9 June 2026

How can American democracy remain healthy if conservatives and Republicans won’t accept the results when their candidates lose — even candidates who never had a realistic chance of winning? —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 9 June 2026

Analysts say younger, progressive voters tend to hold onto their ballots longer than conservatives. —Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026

Conservatives frequently warn that the close study of the darkest chapters of our past will erode any sense of patriotism. —Yoni Appelbaum, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

derivative of conservative entry 1

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing conservative

• anti-conservative
• conservative estimate
• fiscal conservative
• super-conservative

Rhymes for conservative

• preservative
• neoconservative

Kids Definition

conservative

1 of 2 adjective

con·​ser·​va·​tive kən-ˈsər-vət-iv 

1

: tending to conserve or preserve

2

: of or relating to conservatism

3

: tending to preserve existing views, conditions, or institutions : traditional

4

: cautious, moderate

a conservative estimate

5

: being in agreement with the usual standards of taste or manners

a conservative suit

conservatively adverb

conservativeness noun

conservative

2 of 2 noun

: a person who is conservative especially in politics

Medical Definition

conservative

adjective

con·​ser·​va·​tive kən-ˈsər-vət-iv 

: not extreme or drastic

especially : designed to preserve parts or restore or preserve function

conservative treatment of prostate cancer by watchful waiting or hormonal therapy in contrast to radical prostatectomy

compare aggressive sense 3, radical entry 1

conservatively adverb