CONSERVATIVES Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

conservatives

noun

plural of conservative

as in Tories

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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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 conservatives Republican response But conservatives said those policies inflated enrollment by attracting fraudulent and wasteful coverage. — Christine Mai-Duc, NPR, 23 Aug. 2026 Some conservatives don’t view Vance’s comments as outside the GOP norm. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 21 Aug. 2026 West’s case also dovetailed with an anti-surrogacy campaign recently undertaken by some conservatives, Mary Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California, Davis who specializes in reproductive health, told CNN. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 Democrats say the flip indicates voters want education to move on from political fights over social issues, while conservatives point to their wins. — Lauren Lumpkin, Washington Post, 20 Aug. 2026 Liberal commentators cheered while conservatives accused him of sexism. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Of course, plenty of liberals have children, and plenty of conservatives have small families or remain childless. — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026 Ocasio-Cortez’s choice to share her egg-freezing publicly has kicked off furious debate and confused hand-wringing among conservatives. — Anna Russell, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for conservatives

Noun

That is, rightists who oppose aid to Ukraine tend to be skeptical of Israel and at least open to having anti-Semites in the Republican coalition.

— Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
Historians have pointed to Hodge’s early support of reactionary rightists, including industrialists, landlords, and businessmen—people who were associated with Japanese rule.

— Kornel Chang September 19, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025

Definition of rightists

Noun

Bass’ absence from the city soon caught the eye of right-wingers, with Spencer Pratt, who ran against her in the nonpartisan primary election, and Steve Hilton, who is running for governor, among those critiquing her.

— Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
Gratified right-wingers closely examined the charges and pointed to the prosecution as validation of their belief that conservative Christians across America are being oppressed by violent left-leaning protesters.

— Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026

Definition of right-wingers

Noun

For traditionalists, there’s plenty to choose from, but the specials are surely worth the detour.

— Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
After that dispiriting loss in Bosnia, traditionalists opened up to the radical, counter-cultural Guardiola option.

— James Horncastle, New York Times, 28 July 2026

Definition of traditionalists

Noun

For families who believe their child's rights were violated based on race, disability, or gender in school, the federal agency often has been one of the main places to turn.

— Claire Sibonney, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
The entry of streaming services such as Amazon, Apple and Netflix have only increased the rights fees.

— Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of rights

Noun

America First ideologues, backed by the government in Washington, condemn Europe in pretty much the same terms that European reactionaries once used against the United States.

— Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
But to his legions of enemies — from MAGA reactionaries to the Anti-Defamation League to mere centrist Democrats — Piker is a loudmouth extremist who’s actively harming the country.

— Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of reactionaries

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conservativeness

conservatives

conservator

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“Conservatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conservatives. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of conservatives

noun

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