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
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Recent Examples of conservative
Jane Harper, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026
True to form of a d’orsay pump, the upper was cut away at the sides, revealing more of the foot than the more conservative traditional pump style.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 15 Jan. 2026
Duncan Hosie, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026
The Republican Study Committee, the largest caucus of conservatives in the House, on Tuesday unveiled a framework for a second reconciliation bill that can pass through Congress with only Republican support, with the aim of addressing affordability concerns.
—Emily Brooks, The Hill, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for conservative
Adjective
Among the more notable family law cases Wilhite has been involved in was a highly contentious 2017 child custody case between conservative radio host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and Jones’ ex-wife, Kelly Jones.
—Jane Harper, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026
True to form of a d’orsay pump, the upper was cut away at the sides, revealing more of the foot than the more conservative traditional pump style.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
In 2012, Roberts joined the Court’s liberal justices to spare the law from wholesale demolition; the remaining conservatives voted to strike it down in full.
—Duncan Hosie, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026
The Republican Study Committee, the largest caucus of conservatives in the House, on Tuesday unveiled a framework for a second reconciliation bill that can pass through Congress with only Republican support, with the aim of addressing affordability concerns.
—Emily Brooks, The Hill, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for conservative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conservative
Adjective
-
The Broncos are not a Super Bowl team in the traditional sense, not without more weapons offensively, and a special teams boost from Marvin Mims Jr.—
Troy Renck The Denver Post,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Quarter-zip sweatshirts feel sporty yet polished, offering the same comfort as traditional sweats with a more intentional silhouette.—
Gabrielle Porcaro,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Carpenter stuck to her typical glam, opting for muted mauve lip liner, matching blush, and highlighted inner corners.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
-
This versatile accent chair from Martha Stewart’s Bedford Collection is finally on sale and available in four soft, muted neutrals.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But trading volumes remain low, with investors remaining cautious about the impact of lower oil prices, government spending cuts, and the outlook for corporate earnings.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
14 Jan. 2026
-
But once the horrible pol is gone, stronger but more cautious candidates emerge.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Leo took part in celebrations for the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in the northwestern town of Iznik, alongside the spiritual leader of eastern orthodox Christians, Patriarch Bartholomew.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
28 Nov. 2025
-
Tinubu’s two-year presidency has focused on fixing Nigeria’s ailing economy by cutting fuel subsidies, engineering a return to orthodox monetary policy at the central bank, taming inflation, and introducing a new tax regime.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
24 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The lightweight fabric is also quiet, so you won’t be awoken from crinkling material.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The family settled in a quiet residential street of older homes and multifamily buildings, some front porches festooned with pride flags still twinkling with holiday lights.—
Michael Biesecker,
Twin Cities,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
11 Jan. 2026
-
These soft and chewy treats are the result of dozens of careful recipe tests.—
Lizzy Briskin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But today’s traditionalist poets, who accompanied the liberation parade from Idlib to the Umayyad capital, get off on the cognates of salvage and salvation and on the prefixes of survival and revival.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Banning the shift, introducing a pitch clock, adding a free runner in extra innings — all changes that the most entrenched traditionalists argued would materially alter the game.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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His multicourse omakase shows off the chef’s restrained minimalist Edomae style and love of aged fish.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
-
In response, Watson has pushed for a more restrained budget process, tighter oversight of city finances and a systemwide evaluation of how City Hall delivers services — all aimed at restoring transparency and credibility.—
Austin American Statesman,
Austin American Statesman,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Conservative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conservative. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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