REFORMER Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

reformer

noun

Definition of reformer

as in progressive

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Dissimilar Words

as in reformist

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Dissimilar Words

as in optimist

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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 reformer Not long after the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, Quaker reformers alongside Benjamin Franklin made a bold decision to overhaul the prevailing system of punishment. — Ana Zamora, Time, 3 June 2026 For years, critics and reformers have observed that our model of public education was developed to make children better workers in an industrial economy. — Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 3 June 2026 In Palmer's primary suite, the pilates lover has her own reformer in the bedroom. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026 The reformer is like a Rube Goldberg machine for fitness. — Natalie Meade, New Yorker, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for reformer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reformer

Noun

McAdams has sought to shed his reputation as a moderate, while his opponents have urged each other to drop out and clear a path for Utah to send its first progressive to Washington.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 June 2026
Lander, a progressive, is leading in the polls in the race to represent lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn and has lambasted the more moderate Goldman in his support for Israel and taking corporate PAC donations.

— Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 23 June 2026

Definition of progressive

Noun

Pezeshkian, a reformist within Iran’s theocracy, is the highest-ranking official within Iran to reference the release of the funds held by Qatar.

— Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
From that liminal moment emerged Mohammad Khatami, a former culture minister steeped in philosophy and theology, and a committed reformist.

— Alex Shams, Time, 14 Mar. 2026

Definition of reformist

Noun

Reading rates might fluctuate, but optimists argue that the long arc of history points toward universal literacy.

— Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
China has long been a nation of techno-optimists, and not just because software and engineering — from smartphones to high-speed trains to drone deliveries — have radically improved life across the country in the span of a single generation.

— Andy Browne, semafor.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of optimist

Noun

For a party that prides itself on diversity, the clashes have exacerbated fierce debates over identity politics and long-standing rifts between progressives and moderates.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 June 2026
Even for a party accustomed to searing debates between progressives and moderates, the schism over Israel has been blistering.

— Steve Peoples, Fortune, 24 June 2026

Definition of moderate

Noun

Some proponents of the tax had criticized the bill as a compromise measure that leaves the difficult political decision of whether to enact a tax for the next governor and Legislature.

— Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
In May, DeWine, an early proponent of the facilities, ordered a temporary freeze on the state's 100% sales tax break for data center developers.

— Scott Cohn, CNBC, 9 July 2026

Definition of proponent

Noun

The ritual confers the Holy Spirit from one bishop to another and recalls Christ’s gesture to his apostles.

— Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
According to the gospels, Jesus traveled here from biblical Galilee, while the apostle Paul established a thriving church here.

— Jane Arraf, NPR, 23 June 2026

Definition of apostle

Noun

Alexi’s tutu-twirling positivity should not be confused with Pollyanna, nor her quirky insights with naiveté.

— Rich Roll, Outside, 26 Aug. 2025
During the festival, those attending can enjoy a selection of beer, wine and cocktails from Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling, along with offerings from other local St. Charles breweries, according to the release.

— Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025

Definition of Pollyanna

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“Reformer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reformer. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of reformer

noun

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