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
Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025
Rupert Murdoch has dominated conservative media in the US, UK, and Australia for 40 years, but at 94 is seeking to secure his empire’s future.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Rosalind Bowling, Nashville Tennessean, 2 Sep. 2025
These numbers are 78% for liberals, 51% for moderates, and 18% for conservatives.
—Robert G. Eccles, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for conservative
Adjective
The birthday recognition drew criticism from some on social media, especially after graphic video of the incident went viral in conservative political circles.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025
Rupert Murdoch has dominated conservative media in the US, UK, and Australia for 40 years, but at 94 is seeking to secure his empire’s future.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
For the century after the Scopes Monkey Trial, religious conservatives have bristled at the court's determinations surrounding public school and religion.
—Rosalind Bowling, Nashville Tennessean, 2 Sep. 2025
These numbers are 78% for liberals, 51% for moderates, and 18% for conservatives.
—Robert G. Eccles, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for conservative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conservative
Adjective
-
This more traditional system is where Tottenham have ended up.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
At the same time, identity categories have become more fluid, and traditional sources of authority — religion, education, government — are more likely to be contested or distrusted.—
Christopher P. Scheitle,
The Conversation,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
That’s not the kind of hold that the mid-budget neo noir was depending on after a muted opening.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
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The dresses, in muted shades ranging from pale pink to pearl gray, cream and black, contrast layers of vaporous tulle and organza with long ruffled skirts and collared capes in satin or taffeta edged with lace.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The duo have been cautious in their classification, allowing for the possibility that a torus of material could be behind the observations.—
Nola Taylor Tillman,
Space.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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But being cautious doesn’t mean ignoring the risks.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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And even though the military is short of manpower, the government refuses to draft ultra-orthodox men, whose religious political parties are key to the Netanyahu coalition.—
Ron Scherf,
Time,
5 Sep. 2025
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Traditional music and Kolo dancing by Prazna Flasa Tambura, the Ansambl Sokoli, the Seoske Dame singers, and DJ Dex, with a presentation from Parish Priest, Father Milos Zivkovic on orthodox religious traditions and specialty vendors with music, books, jewelry, and icons for sale.—
Gina Grillo,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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One result of the growth is a quiet boom in Southeast Asian grocery stores and restaurants.—
Sophie Carson,
jsonline.com,
4 Sep. 2025
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Inside, lofted seating positions deliver an elevated view while quilted semi-aniline leather and acoustic glass buffer passengers in comfort and quiet.—
Scotty Reiss,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Both coaches and players have been respectful of the other team all week, careful not to produce any bulletin board material.—
Tom Murphy,
Arkansas Online,
5 Sep. 2025
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Ben Lewis Doherty, playing a boy named Sam whose life is upended by Robbie, is the show’s greatest innocent, a softhearted moppet who warns deer to be careful when crossing the street.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Indeed, that’s why Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos has routinely resisted theatrical releases for all but a handful of his company’s many feature-length projects, and those mostly to qualify them for Oscar runs and traditionalist voters’ preferences.—
David Bloom,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
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In recent years there have been efforts to make the language more inclusive—for example, by adding an asterisk to the plural (Lehrer*innen) to include males, females, and those who identify as nonbinary—which have been opposed by traditionalists and far-right groups.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Classical minimalism, meant to evoke modest virtue and restrained power, is a good style for a democratic state.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
6 Sep. 2025
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The sizable rooms offer a restrained elegance, with white marble bathrooms, mid-century modern furniture, and black-and-white photos of striking architecture on the walls.—
Kate Kassin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Conservative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conservative. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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