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 Once a lawyerly panel, a takeover by a trio of conservatives deeply mistrustful of the state’s voting system has turned the board’s once mundane meetings into boisterous events packed with crowds of cheering and jeering activists. — Tamar Hallerman, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026 But some prominent conservatives in recent years have called for its elimination, saying the federal government should get out of the education business at every level. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 What the difference in brain structure between liberals and conservatives? — Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026 Now is the time for women in the WNBA to stop politically pandering, gaslighting conservatives who have helped make the league notable, and potentially profitable, for the first time in its 30-year history. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Since Scalia’s death, his influence has grown especially with the younger generation of conservatives. — Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026 Whereas once Washington’s antislavery credentials were wielded to bring slavery to an end, today some conservatives highlight Washington’s ostensible opposition to slavery to deemphasize slavery’s foundational importance in American history. — John Garrison Marks, The Atlantic, 25 July 2026 Lawsuit attacks diversity efforts The lawsuit comes amid a broader crackdown on diversity initiatives nationwide as conservatives argue similar programs treat white people unfairly. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026 The ruling, which applied only in Texas, was seen as an opening for conservatives to challenge similar laws across the country. — Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 23 July 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

Industrial companies and technology firms have already secured rights to the electricity generated at the site.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
Wiener, 56, has built his campaign around a legislative record on housing, climate change, LGBT rights, and public safety.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of rights

Noun

Some reactionaries will always find a reason to demand all-white entertainment, regardless of whether there are mermaids, hobbits, or lightsabers involved.

— Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
The Federal Reserve’s reactionaries are likely to then put pressure on Warsh to hike interest rates.

— Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 21 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of conservatives

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