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
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
Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
His unapologetic calls for a progressive economic agenda and more inclusive policies for all racial groups, religions, genders and orientations laid the groundwork for the progressive movement within the Democratic Party.
—Matt Brown, Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
Joseph Strauss, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026
The young progressive's agenda appears aligned with the moment for many on the left—particularly within New York City.
—Jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for progressive
Adjective
With nine Democratic gubernatorial candidates pitching competing visions, California Democrats showed deep divisions between progressive tax-and-spend approaches and moderate ‘back to basics’ budget restraint.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
His unapologetic calls for a progressive economic agenda and more inclusive policies for all racial groups, religions, genders and orientations laid the groundwork for the progressive movement within the Democratic Party.
—Matt Brown, Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
Kasky, a 25-year-old Jewish progressive who survived the Parkland school shooting, recently went on a solidarity mission to the West Bank.
—Joseph Strauss, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026
The young progressive's agenda appears aligned with the moment for many on the left—particularly within New York City.
—Jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for progressive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for progressive
Adjective
-
The most advanced pediatric care in the state is provided at the Medical University of South Carolina’s campus in Charleston, several hours away from the Upstate on the coast.—
Jennifer Berry Hawes,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The scramble for vaccines, in which advanced economies quickly gobbled up urgent pandemic supplies, highlighted the need for local drug manufacturing.—
Alexis Akwagyiram,
semafor.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Speculation, particularly among liberal commentators, has started to swirl around possible retirement plans of Justice Samuel Alito.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
-
But most forms of higher education have seen at least a doubling of its liberal-to-conservative gap since the nineties.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The fossils are destined for the Museum of the River, a pioneering zero-energy facility currently under construction in Niamey, the capital.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Since emerging from San Francisco as a pioneering Afro-Latin-blues-rock force, Santana has created a signature sound that has resonated across generations.—
Charlie Vargas,
Daily News,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Democrats will be slicing up the votes among liberals and moderates as the candidates position themselves to appeal to the largest swath of primary voters.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Those who are more hardline, such as Machado, believe in more aggressive political action – such as mass mobilization and protests – and have less faith in elections, while moderates like González lean toward taking advantage of any political openings that exist, including elections.—
Alessandra Freitas,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This level of coordination effectively marries ancient Chinese martial arts with modern precision engineering.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Analysts say the result could mean more stability for modern day Thailand, which has had three prime ministers in as many years and a 20-year cycle of military coups, violent street protests and paralyzing political instability.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The internationally famous doughnut shop, which is known not only for its bold and unconventional creations but also for hosting nontraditional wedding ceremonies, has opened in Wynwood, with the flavors that have transformed it from a cult favorite to a megahit across the country.—
Connie Ogle,
Miami Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Late last month, Hudson pulled off an unconventional styling trick for a London outing.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Once seen as a reformer, Gaddafi had attempted a political comeback in 2021 but remained a divisive and controversial figure in Libya.—
Yousef Murad,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Clark ran as a reformer in 2019, aiming to replace outgoing mayor Eric Kellogg, who had been prevented from running for reelection by term limits.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In the last century, scientists have found bountiful evidence of complexity and engineering in living systems that seems highly unlikely to have emerged from a world of evolved necessity.—
Andrew McDiarmid,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
-
In all cases there is a responsibility to accept a certain degree of uncertainty, evolved thinking, and risk.—
Marshall Shepherd,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Progressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/progressive. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
