Synonyms of progressive

progressive 1 of 2

adjective

prə-ˈgre-siv 

1

as in advanced

being far along in development

progressive forms of animal life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• advanced
• higher
• evolved
• improved
• high
• developed
• modern
• late
• educated
• enhanced
• forward
• refined
• new
• contemporary
• newest
• enlightened
• precocious
• civilized
• latest
• current
• recent
• full-scale
• ripe
• grown
• mature
• matured
• full-blown
• full-fledged
• aged
• novel
• ultramodern
• perfected
• present-day
• newfangled
• ripened
• up-to-date
• cutting-edge
• leading-edge
• now
• new-fashioned
• supermodern
• mod
• space-age

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lower
• primitive
• backward
• nonprogressive
• low
• rudimentary
• undeveloped
• green
• rude
• immature
• underdeveloped
• savage
• undersized
• early
• uneducated
• underweight
• unripe
• uncivilized
• embryonic
• old
• unripened
• primordial
• primeval
• past
• germinal
• obsolete
• antiquated
• old-fashioned
• old-time
• antique
• antediluvian
• hoary
• out-of-date
• Neanderthal
• outworn
• musty
• fusty
• dated
• passé
• oldfangled

2

as in liberal

not bound by traditional ways or beliefs

a socially progressive community, it was the first to provide for the public education of girls

Synonyms & Similar Words

• liberal
• modern
• unconventional
• radical
• contemporary
• nontraditional
• nonconventional
• advanced
• unorthodox
• broad-minded
• open-minded
• nonorthodox
• extreme
• permissive
• tolerant
• lenient
• impartial
• large-minded
• unbiased
• forbearing
• indulgent
• objective

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• conservative
• traditional
• conventional
• orthodox
• rigid
• old-fashioned
• strict
• hard
• nonprogressive
• dogmatic
• stodgy
• doctrinal
• hidebound
• reactionary
• intolerant
• bigoted
• blinkered
• narrow-minded
• unreconstructed

3

as in pioneering

being or employing the latest concepts, styles, or techniques

one of the founders of progressive dance, Isadora Duncan became an inspiration to an array of free-spirited artists

Synonyms & Similar Words

• advanced
• pioneering
• unconventional
• modern
• contemporary
• revolutionary
• new
• avant
• original
• underground
• cutting-edge
• avant-garde
• state-of-the-art
• current
• alternative
• strange
• bizarre
• modernistic
• nontraditional
• antiestablishment
• novel
• trailblazing
• unprecedented
• unfamiliar
• fresh
• outré
• unknown
• unheard-of
• way-out
• hot
• ultramodern
• present-day
• newfangled
• up-to-date
• unaccustomed
• far-out
• new-fashioned
• mod
• red-hot
• space-age

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• traditional
• conventional
• customary
• established
• orthodox

progressive

2 of 2

noun

as in moderate

Related Words

• moderate
• reformer
• centrist
• middle-of-the-roader
• compromiser
• accommodationist

Dissimilar Words

• revolutionary
• extremist
• conservative
• revolutionist
• liberal
• reactionary
• radical
• rightist
• leftist
• ultraist
• right-winger
• left-winger

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of progressive

Adjective

This tradition viewed progressive nationalism as using promises of reform and demagogic tirades against scapegoats abroad to distract from their own corruption and irresponsibility. — Andre Pagliarini, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

The partnership has sparked outrage and calls for boycotts from some fans, who view the deal as conflicting with the team's past progressive actions. — Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Noun

Markey, a longtime progressive, and Moulton, who has carved out a moderate stance in Congress, are both calling for new guardrails on AI. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Ruffalo is also known for being an outspoken political progressive. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026