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

Attendees identified as progressive Democrats and conservative Republicans. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party, which has roots in Turkey’s Islamic movement, has been increasingly vocal against LGBTQ+ groups in a bid to consolidate the more conservative elements of its base. — ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026

Noun

Even Ocasio-Cortez has indicated that some positions—including defunding the police—have gone too far or have become fodder to be used by conservatives to make the case that progressives are out of touch with American voters. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Sep. 2026

The league itself has been ripped by conservatives for posting social justice messaging on its fields, and it has been accused of taking advantage of its antitrust exemption under the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2026