traditionalism

1 of 2

noun (1)

tra·​di·​tion·​al·​ism trə-ˈdi-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: adherence to the doctrines or practices of a tradition

2

: the beliefs of those opposed to modernism, liberalism, progressivism, or radicalism

traditionalist

trə-ˈdi-sh(ə-)nə-list 

noun

plural traditionalists

traditionalist adjective

traditionalistic

trə-ˌdi-sh(ə-)nə-ˈli-stik 

adjective

traditionalist

2 of 2

noun (2)

tra·​di·​tion·​al·​ist -shənᵊlə̇st 

-shnəl-

plural -s

: one who adheres to or advocates adherence to tradition : a believer in or proponent of traditionalism

traditionalistic

trə¦dishənᵊl¦stik 

-shnə¦li-, 

-tēk

adjective

Synonyms of traditionalism

Noun (1)

• conservativeness
• conservatism

Examples of traditionalism in a Sentence

Noun (1)

a staunch supporter of grammatical traditionalism, my English teacher didn't care what the experts in linguistics said

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The alpine traditionalism on display at Heididorf notwithstanding, Switzerland is among the most cosmopolitan nations in Europe. — Jessi Jezewska Stevens, New Yorker, 8 June 2026

It’s rooted in traditionalism and an us-versus-them mindset, in which people who look like me, and even certain Cardinals players, wonder if we’d be considered them. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 2 June 2026

Patterns, textures, and a rejection of traditionalism have come alive this spring. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

Ash never endorsed the Equal Rights Amendment, and her appeals to sisterhood were carefully leavened with traditionalism. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

French traditionaliste, from traditionalisme, after such pairs as Middle French athéisme atheism: athéiste atheist

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for traditionalism

• absolutism
• adventurism
• aestheticism
• africanism
• agnosticism
• alcoholism
• anachronism
• anglicanism
• antagonism
• arianism
• asceticism
• astigmatism