RIGHTIST Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

rightist 1 of 2

noun

as in conservative

a person whose political beliefs are centered on tradition and keeping things the way they are rightists opposed the new social programs

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rightist

2 of 2

adjective

as in reactionary

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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 rightist

Noun

That is, rightists who oppose aid to Ukraine tend to be skeptical of Israel and at least open to having anti-Semites in the Republican coalition. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026 Earlier this month, Brazil’s Supreme Court sentenced the rightist Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup following his 2023 election loss. — semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2025 Historians have pointed to Hodge’s early support of reactionary rightists, including industrialists, landlords, and businessmen—people who were associated with Japanese rule. — Kornel Chang september 19, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025

Adjective

As rightist parties surge across the UK, Labour members are betting on Burnham — who easily won a parliamentary seat last week — to salvage their moribund agenda. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 21 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rightist

Noun

Especially because Quigley’s district contains the lakefront liberal voters who backed Johnson over Paul Vallas in the 2023 runoff election, when the latter struggled to beat back attacks of being a closet conservative.

— Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2026
The pledge did not immediately satisfy hardline conservatives, who ground operations in the House to a halt last week.

— Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Definition of conservative

Adjective

By the end of the 1970s, the band and movemenet were losing goodwill, loathed by both the hip disco cognoscenti and a reactionary macho counterinsurgence that culminated in the vinyl furnace at Disco Demolition Night in Chicago.

— Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026
There are times when people make reactionary moves because of certain needs.

— Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 30 June 2026

Definition of reactionary

Adjective

Even though Democrats broadly agree on key economic issues, there is concern that the positions held by more leftist candidates could muddy their overall message.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 July 2026
Her victory over leftist challenger Roberto Sánchez marks her fourth presidential bid and makes her Peru’s first female president-elect.

— Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of leftist

Adjective

Last month, six women interviewed by the Times described concerning behavior by Platner, including excessive drinking, infidelity, and, in one account, physical intimidation.

— Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Black residents of the city have expressed fear of harassment and concerns about trading high crime for excessive policing.

— Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 6 July 2026

Definition of excessive

Adjective

Since overthrowing the Assad dynasty, Syria’s new rulers have struggled to exert control across the country and to check extremist groups.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Since Musk, the world’s richest person, took over X (then Twitter) in 2022 in a $44B deal, the site has come under constant criticism for promoting extremist content and misinformation.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 July 2026

Definition of extremist

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“Rightist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rightist. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of rightist

noun

adjective

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