progressive 1 of 2

adjective

prə-ˈgre-siv How to pronounce progressive (audio)
Definition of progressivenext
1
as in advanced
being far along in development progressive forms of animal life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

progressive

2 of 2

noun

as in moderate

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 progressive
Adjective
In late September, the campaign to support Prop 1 received nearly $2 million in donations, much of which came from prominent progressive donors and political action committees outside of Idaho, the Statesman previously reported. — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 12 Oct. 2026 The exact timing remains uncertain, but this appears to be a relatively progressive system rather than another prolonged rainfall event. — Grant Gilmore, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
Nixon, a progressive, was a community organizer before she was elected to the state House of Representatives. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 30 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for progressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for progressive
  1. advanced
  2. liberal
  3. pioneering
  4. moderate
  5. evolved
  6. modern
  7. unconventional
  8. reformer
Adjective
  • Now in advanced financing after years of development, the team is using Busan to close the remaining gap and meet partners to take the film into production.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Facing China’s far larger military, which is adding advanced new weapons such as stealth-fighter jets, aircraft carriers and a huge array of missiles, Taiwan is ramping up defense spending and modernising its armed forces.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of advanced
Adjective
  • Because the right is viewed as divisive by liberal corporations, and the left is viewed as empathetic common sense.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • This process is evident in Egypt and Turkey, where declining mosque attendance has accompanied the growing appeal of liberal values, particularly secularism.
    — Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of liberal
Adjective
  • The vehicle, which was sold in North America as an Acura model, paired a pioneering all-aluminum body with a potent V-Tech V-6 that made nearly 300 hp.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Mariyam’s story comes through the perspective of her lawyer, Marlo Cadeddu, a pioneering female defense attorney who was part of some of the most significant cases in the war on terror.
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of pioneering
Noun
  • El Sayed’s arguments on healthcare, affordability, and corporate power could resonate with voters, but his progressive foreign-policy positions could complicate his efforts to win over moderates.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
  • This board endorsed her in her last House race as a strong voice for moderates in Springfield.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of moderate
Adjective
  • Chandra spotted 84 suspicious object emitting very low-energy X-rays in six galaxies – four evolved ellipticals and two spirals, namely our near-neighbor the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and the Pinwheel Galaxy (M101).
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Dylan gives a subtle warning for Alex to stay away from Kylie, but Alex was still close to confessing his evolved feelings for her.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of evolved
Adjective
  • Today, the hotel remains a grand dame of Milan, offering a perfect mix of old-world luxury with modern amenities, all delivered through impeccable hospitality.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • All four getting in is probably impossible; even three Best Picture nominations for a single studio is extremely rare in the modern era.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of modern
Adjective
  • The food-beauty collaboration pipeline is gaining an unconventional contender.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The most unconventional of the trio is the jamón y queso, built with ribbons of jamón serrano.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of unconventional
Noun
  • For zero-emissions cruising, the vessel can get its juice from seven 75 kW solid-oxide fuel cells, or nine 250 kW PEM fuel cells paired with a methanol reformer.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Just over three years ago in Guatemala, a coalition of young and Indigenous voters helped propel Bernardo Arévalo, a reformer who campaigned against corruption, to an astounding presidential win.
    — Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of reformer

Browse Nearby Words

progressions
progressive
progressively
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Cite this Entry

“Progressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/progressive. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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