Definition of conservatismnext
as in conservativeness
attitudes or opinions tending to favor established ideas, conditions, or institutions the state's well-known conservatism means that progressive legislation always has an uphill battle

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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 conservatism During reelection campaigns, Graham tends to emphasize his conservatism. ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026 District 7 council member Macy Hill echoed Crain’s call for belt tightening from council members saying in a text message to the Star-Telegram that true fiscal conservatism starts at the top. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026 At a forum at Prestonwood Baptist Church, both candidates struck a balance between fiscal conservatism while preparing the county, which is home to some of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, for more development. Lilly Kersh, Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 2026 Too many in the media see conservatism as a dirty word. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conservatism

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“Conservatism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conservatism. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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