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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 conservatives Had conservatives taken sexy back, or was this all just an optical illusion, not unlike the kind created by a padded bra or a pair of Spanx? — Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026 Speaking to public broadcaster ZDF, AfD federal leader Alice Weidel said Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives will never win another election. — Esme Nicholson, NPR, 6 Sep. 2026 Take that, conservatives who froth at the mouth every time Spanish is spoken on TV. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026 In contrast, there was no such rush to recognize Steinem beyond her liberal and centrist constituency, even from conservatives who had expressed respect for her accomplishments as an influential historical figure. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026 Cruz appeared on Fox News and later shared the clip on X, arguing that moderates have long told conservatives to support the Republican nominee after losing a primary. — Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Some conservatives also feel that Cooper gets a free pass from the press. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026 The scale of violence that Israel’s campaign in Gaza has inflicted has also contributed to a retreat from support, especially among younger conservatives. — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conservatives
  1. rightists
  2. right-wingers
  3. traditionalists
  4. rights
  5. reactionaries
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
  • The sport is now on TV every night of the week these days—and unlike some traditionalists, football-loving families aren’t complaining.
    — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
  • For traditionalists, there’s plenty to choose from, but the specials are surely worth the detour.
    — Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of traditionalists
Noun
  • The proliferation of earlier kickoffs nationwide due to TV media rights deals adds a complex layer to this early-season situation.
    — Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • So this Labor Day, let’s celebrate Florida’s commitment to workers’ rights.
    — Mark Mix, Sun Sentinel, 6 Sep. 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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Cite this Entry

“Conservatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conservatives. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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