Synonyms of conservative

conservative 1 of 2

adjective

kən-ˈsər-və-tiv 

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

• traditional
• orthodox
• ultraconservative
• reactionary
• conventional
• loyal
• staunch
• archconservative
• faithful
• old-line
• traditionalistic
• unprogressive
• hidebound
• old-school
• old-fashioned
• steadfast
• die-hard
• devoted
• paleoconservative
• standpat
• true
• button-down
• mossbacked
• neoconservative
• right-wing
• true-blue
• steady
• square
• brassbound
• Tory
• stodgy
• ultraright
• ossified
• ultrarightist
• right
• antiliberal
• dowdy
• antimodern
• fogyish
• fuddy-duddy
• set
• antiprogressive
• blimpish
• antirevolutionary
• antireform

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liberal
• progressive
• nontraditional
• nonconservative
• unconventional
• unorthodox
• nonconventional
• radical
• extremist
• revolutionary
• broad-minded
• open-minded
• antiestablishment
• modern
• contemporary
• nonconformist
• large-minded
• advanced
• nonorthodox
• antitraditional
• anticonventional
• lefty
• ultraleft
• ultraleftist
• ultraradical
• ultraprogressive

2

as in muted

not excessively showy

dressing in conservative outfits so as to make a good impression at job interviews

Synonyms & Similar Words

• muted
• quiet
• restrained
• subdued
• repressed
• understated
• proper
• low-key
• simple
• unpretentious
• appropriate
• unflashy
• sober
• fitting
• modest
• toned-down
• handsome
• suitable
• plain
• graceful
• sensible
• becoming
• practical
• fit
• unadorned
• unobtrusive
• inconspicuous
• tasteful
• undecorated
• drab
• mousy
• unnoticeable
• refined

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loud
• flamboyant
• noisy
• gaudy
• flashy
• ostentatious
• garish
• glitzy
• swank
• splashy
• meretricious
• flaring
• vulgar
• fancy
• tawdry
• tasteless
• baroque
• tacky
• trashy
• inelegant
• graceless
• razzle-dazzle
• gilded
• ornate
• frilly
• rococo
• overwrought
• overdecorated
• overdone

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

• cautious
• careful
• wary
• alert
• circumspect
• guarded
• considerate
• chary
• safe
• gingerly
• thoughtful
• heedful
• vigilant
• attentive
• watchful
• observant
• awake
• foresighted
• shrewd
• deliberate
• slow
• cagey
• regardful
• provident
• hypercautious
• calculating
• advertent
• forethoughtful
• foresightful
• canny
• ultracareful
• ultracautious

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• careless
• reckless
• unsafe
• bold
• regardless
• impetuous
• rash
• heedless
• unmindful
• brash
• unguarded
• venturesome
• unwary
• thoughtless
• inattentive
• negligent
• lax
• incautious
• asleep
• imprudent
• inconsiderate
• neglectful
• injudicious
• remiss
• indiscreet
• forgetful
• inadvertent
• unintentional
• unplanned
• absentminded

conservative

2 of 2

noun

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

• Tory
• traditionalist
• rightist
• archconservative
• reactionary
• right-winger
• right
• right-wing
• paleoconservative
• bourbon
• conformist
• neoconservative
• neocon
• square
• standpatter
• Colonel Blimp
• diehard
• stuffed shirt
• fuddy-duddy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liberal
• leftist
• lefty
• red
• extremist
• progressive
• revolutionary
• revolutionist
• left-winger
• reformist
• radical
• reformer

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of conservative

Adjective

The Reflecting Pool was also drained Sunday following the Fourth of July, with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum telling conservative podcaster Katie Miller the removal of water was needed to remove July Fourth fireworks debris. — Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Widdecombe was well known for her socially conservative views, first as a junior minister in Conservative Prime Minister John Major’s 1992-1997 government and later as an immigration and justice spokesperson for Nigel Farage’s populist Reform UK. — Reuters, CNN Money, 10 July 2026

Noun

DeSantis filled the five open seats with conservatives, and the nine-member majority liberal board suddenly leaned conservative. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

The court would have applied the theory of the unitary executive, which the conservatives claim to be a product of originalism. — Noah Feldman, Mercury News, 14 July 2026