1
as in progressive
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2
as in reformist
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3
as in optimist
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Recent Examples of reformer
The most recent Pope Leo Leo XIII was elected in 1878 and was known as a reformer, a pontiff who emphasized diplomacy, advocated for scientific progress and positioned the church as a defender of human rights.
—
Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 9 May 2025
The cardinal electors face a stark choice — select a pope who will follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis, an Argentine reformer who advocated for migrants and the environment, or one who will guide the Catholic Church down a more traditional path.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 7 May 2025
As a Jesuit priest from Argentina who was highly skeptical of capitalism, Francis—who took his name from Saint Francis of Assisi, a champion of poverty and austerity—promised to be a reformer, vowing to clean up how the Vatican did business, promising more transparency than any of his predecessors.
—Gerald Posner, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Men in the society refused to associate with moral reformers, posing a direct threat to the women who were dependent on them as their primary breadwinners.
—Jenna Deep, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reformer
Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 9 May 2025
The cardinal electors face a stark choice — select a pope who will follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis, an Argentine reformer who advocated for migrants and the environment, or one who will guide the Catholic Church down a more traditional path.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 7 May 2025
As a Jesuit priest from Argentina who was highly skeptical of capitalism, Francis—who took his name from Saint Francis of Assisi, a champion of poverty and austerity—promised to be a reformer, vowing to clean up how the Vatican did business, promising more transparency than any of his predecessors.
—Gerald Posner, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Men in the society refused to associate with moral reformers, posing a direct threat to the women who were dependent on them as their primary breadwinners.
—Jenna Deep, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reformer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reformer
Noun
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For the moment, though, her support did not reach far beyond progressives.—
Evan Osnos,
New Yorker,
26 May 2025
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In an interview with podcaster Joe Rogan, billionaire and Trump megadonor Elon Musk offered his thoughts about what motivates political progressives to support immigration.—
Colin Marshall,
The Conversation,
22 May 2025
Noun
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Very little that’s good ever happens without an optimist at the helm.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
31 May 2025
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The optimist will see a group that went from the fringes of the playoff discussion to the top of the Eastern Conference, primarily on the backs of players whose best hockey would seem to be in front of them.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Noun
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The Medicaid changes have divided Republican lawmakers, with some moderates in competitive districts expressing concerns over the risk to constituents losing benefits, while members of the House Freedom Caucus pushed for deeper cuts.—
Dan Gooding
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
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Potential cuts to Medicaid benefits, pullback of renewable energy incentives and measures to reduce the deficit have been among the sticking points between moderates and conservatives.—
Filip Timotija,
The Hill,
28 May 2025
Noun
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The administration's actions, including the revocation of thousands of student visas, have drawn concern over infringements on free speech, while proponents view the move as a long overdue federal response to concerns over antisemitism.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025
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The chief proponent of allowing hemp businesses to operate with further regulations in Springfield, Rep. La Shawn Ford, said lawmakers could not reach agreement over whether to ban or regulate hemp.—
Robert McCoppin,
Chicago Tribune,
3 June 2025
Noun
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Born in Chicago to progressive parents named Connie and Jerry — in the 1980s, Jerry innovated a way to stir investment in affordable housing — Altman was heavily influenced by their do-gooder spirit.—
Tim Wu,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
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At the northwest corner of La Palma Park, three stone columns were connected by wooden planks that bore seals of the local chapters of do-gooder organizations like the Lions Club, Rotary International and the League of United Latin American Citizens.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2025
Noun
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Under current Catholic doctrine, only men may become priests, based on the belief that Jesus chose male apostles.—
Barney Henderson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
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Paprocki said he was struck by Pope Francis’ joy and reflected that the pontiff spoke to Paprocki and the other bishops with him not as a boss, but as a fellow apostle tasked with the same mission all priests have — to passionately advance their faith.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The breweries invite everyone to a celebration including the first opportunity to taste the new beer at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, at Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling at 106 S. Riverside Ave.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2025
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The documentary significantly adds to the origin story, tracing Reubens’ early days and infatuation with TV kids’ shows and Disney movies — Pollyanna was a favorite — and fleshing out the family’s move to Florida.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Fever’s music partners include standout names such as Primavera Sound, Fabrik, Last Tour, Cercle and TCE Presents, while Dice is trusted by such venues, festivals, and promoters as Club Space, Newport Jazz and Folk Festival, Sonar, London’s Alexandra Palace and Rough Trade globally.—
Thania Garcia,
Variety,
5 June 2025
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Local promoters Flip Phone Events began offering drag brunches in 2015 and have since expanded into 19 other states and Washington, D.C.—
Ross Raihala,
Twin Cities,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reformer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reformer. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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