conservative 1 of 2

adjective

kən-ˈsər-və-tiv How to pronounce conservative (audio)
Definition of conservativenext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in muted
not excessively showy dressing in conservative outfits so as to make a good impression at job interviews

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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

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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

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Example Sentences

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 conservative
Adjective
By Thursday morning, a rebellion by several members of Peña's own conservative Colorado Party had become a party-wide revolt. — ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026 She was elected twice to the Gardner Edgerton School District Board of Education, leaving halfway through her second term, along with other liberal school board members, after harassment from conservative parents. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
As conservatives grapple with what went wrong, liberals are reveling in their big wins, specifically with memes and TikTok flooding social media. — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2026 Messina made the runoff by capitalizing on his status as the lone conservative in the race. — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conservative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conservative
  1. traditional
  2. muted
  3. cautious
  4. traditionalist
  5. orthodox
  6. quiet
  7. careful
  8. rightist
Adjective
  • In addition to traditional cancellation and interruption protection, the plan includes medical coverage, emergency evacuation benefits and reimbursement for certain travel inconveniences.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Keurig and Lavazza’s new pods ditch the traditional plastic cups for compostable coffee tablets.
    — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • The muted colors, exaggerated proportions and futuristic sneakers that helped define Yeezy have spread through the industry.
    — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Its muted palette can skew bohemian or coastal, or simply bring a little intrigue to a cozy space of any style.
    — Mina Dragani, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of muted
Adjective
  • During this time, mature bucks become increasingly active and less cautious to establish dominance within their territory.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The challenge now is balancing expansion with operational discipline, particularly as Cava enters new markets and consumers become more cautious about spending.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of cautious
Noun
  • At the time, tastemakers were shedding the darker, heavier, traditionalist aesthetics of the Victorian era.
    — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Refreshingly novel in the 1970s, the curatorial approach frequently earned him pushback from traditionalists.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of traditionalist
Adjective
  • Funnels and Pinch Points Funnels and pinch-points are among the most orthodox stand locations during the rut.
    — Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Netanyahu’s bloc is comprised of Likued plus right-wing and orthodox Jewish parties.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of orthodox
Adjective
  • Fresh off a max contract extension, Reaves has had a quiet yet ruthlessly efficient start to the year in Doncic’s shadow.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • And at a time of national reflection, Kate’s wardrobe offered its own quiet tribute to those who came before her.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • There’s that Japanese concept of space and pause—in the wide corridors, the uncluttered lobby, the careful symmetry.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The first step was to tailor it to her size, while being careful to preserve the bespoke construction.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of careful
Noun
  • Incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had avoided debating challenger Flávio Bolsonaro — the son of a former president jailed for staging a coup — but the rightist’s first-round victory put the president on the back foot.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • In fact, he’s decided to go all the way from an angry leftist to a very angry rightist.
    — NBC news, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of rightist

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conservative
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Cite this Entry

“Conservative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conservative. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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