1
as in traditional
tending to favor established ideas, conditions, or institutions
conservative baseball fans consider the new ballpark too modern-looking and plain ugly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in muted
not excessively showy
dressing in conservative outfits so as to make a good impression at job interviews
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in cautious
having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble
made conservative investments, and so he wasn't ruined when the market went into a free fall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in Tory
a person whose political beliefs are centered on tradition and keeping things the way they are
proposed legislation that was opposed by conservatives throughout the state
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of conservative
Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
Three company leaders and a candidate for the Wyoming House seat took to the main stage to highlight the importance of consumers putting their dollars behind conservative companies.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
The chamber has been debating the measure for nearly a week in an attempt to placate conservatives who have demanded that the Senate maneuver around a 60-vote threshold to pass the bill.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for conservative
Adjective
Good cops, even when provoked, are conservative about using firearms.
—Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
Three company leaders and a candidate for the Wyoming House seat took to the main stage to highlight the importance of consumers putting their dollars behind conservative companies.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
Politics consequently occupies much of the space for leftists that is usually taken up by family, religion, career and community for conservatives.
—Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
The chamber has been debating the measure for nearly a week in an attempt to placate conservatives who have demanded that the Senate maneuver around a 60-vote threshold to pass the bill.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for conservative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conservative
Adjective
-
The administrations of Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden maintained a traditional, strong alliance with Israel, including enormous military assistance, but avoided being drawn into sustained military combat in the Middle East.—
Arthur I. Cyr,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Here, the train rolls into one of Scotland’s most remote stations, arriving via a line built up on a raft of roots and brushwood because traditional foundations failed in the boggy ground.—
Rosie Conroy,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In the meantime, the Bay Area will stay dry on Thursday with a notable warming trend as temperatures rise back into the 80s across the interior, with a more muted warmup (into the 70s) closer to the water.—
Greg Porter,
San Francisco Chronicle,
26 Mar. 2026
-
In markets, trading has been mixed across Asia, while European futures indicate a muted open.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
With multiple players coming back from injury — as well as a questionable turf field — the Current opted to take a cautious approach.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Lee says Everpure’s initial approach to generative AI was fairly cautious after the launch of ChatGPT, as the company wanted to take time to set up governance protocols around data privacy and security.—
John Kell,
Fortune,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Ver had initially gone the orthodox route of hiring tax attorneys from a prestigious law firm, Steptoe.—
Avi Asher-Schapiro,
ProPublica,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Despite the revolving door of presidents, Peru’s economy has been stable over the past decade, with governments sticking to orthodox economic policies that include modest fiscal spending, while international companies have been encouraged to invest in areas like mining and infrastructure.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Aside from some quiet complaints about the NCAA’s COVID-19 protocols for people sitting around the court, no one offered anything other than positive reviews.—
Mac Engel
March 31,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Despite her difficult start, Kaiko has since been recovering in her new home, with the viral video capturing a quiet but significant milestone—her first night sleeping indoors.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
An assembly of planets in Aries moves through your twelfth house, stirring emotions behind the scenes and asking for careful tending.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
To the begonia collectors out there, Begona Black Velvet, with large leaves that could have fallen from a maple tree, is worth a careful look.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But Rushen was far from a traditionalist.—
Matthew Ritchie,
Pitchfork,
22 Mar. 2026
-
That was a bit of a turnoff for this old traditionalist, who thinks politics has gotten too coarse and foul-mouthed.—
George Skelton,
Mercury News,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Grace had given us this restrained performance.—
Chris Murphy,
Vanity Fair,
27 Mar. 2026
-
High ceilings, expansive windows, and a restrained neutral palette creates an atmosphere that feels instantly and effortlessly calm.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Conservative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conservative. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
