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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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 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
  1. conservative
  2. reactionary
  3. leftist
  4. excessive
  5. extremist
  6. liberal
Noun
  • Becerra, a longtime Democratic officeholder, received support from 61% of likely voters, compared with 36% for Hilton, a populist conservative who once advised a British prime minister.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
  • The Senate, the upper house where conservatives hold a majority, rejected the bill.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
Definition of conservative
Adjective
  • The internet’s reactionary machinery is churning at full force after Graham’s sudden death and Mitch McConnell’s illness.
    — Olivia George, Washington Post, 14 July 2026
  • And in recent years, the image of a white pioneer family in homespun garb has been impossible to separate from the reactionary tradwife trend.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 9 July 2026
Definition of reactionary
Adjective
  • El-Sayed has a penchant for creating buzzy social media videos, which have drawn comparisons with those of New York Mayor and fellow leftist Zohran Mamdani.
    — Justin Papp, CNBC, 10 July 2026
  • Despite the historical precedents, some prominent Democrats are cautious about leftist victories.
    — Jeffrey Anvari-Clark, The Conversation, 10 July 2026
Definition of leftist
Adjective
  • Tammy Abraham left soon after Tuchel arrived while most of the forwards — with the exceptions of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz — grew tired of the manager’s excessive candour.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • If the prospect of lines, crowds, and excessive noise is deterring you from a vacation this summer, then the area around Shippea Hill is the ultimate antidote.
    — Rob Crossan, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026
Definition of excessive
Adjective
  • The hacks targeted opioid manufacturers and an extremist organization.
    — Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Marine Le Pen succeeds her father as president of the National Front, launching a long-term effort to broaden the party’s appeal and distance it from its extremist image.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Definition of extremist
Adjective
  • Primary characters Maude Findlay (Bea Arthur) is an outspoken and liberal housewife and the star of the show.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026
  • Many Democrats fear a nominee seen as too liberal will play to Collins’ strengths.
    — Philip Wang, Time, 14 July 2026
Definition of liberal

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rightist
rightists
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Cite this Entry

“Rightist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rightist. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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