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

Liberal advocacy groups urged FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to end his attacks on ABC, and conservative groups warned Carr not to set a precedent that would harm conservatives in future administrations.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2026
First elected to Congress in the 1994 Republican revolt that swept the GOP to power, Graham was part of a new era of conservatives to take their seats in the House — and among the first Republicans from his Southern state since Reconstruction.

— Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026

Definition of conservative

Adjective

The writer and former white supremacist Richard Hanania was once the toast of MAGA-curious tech barons and reactionary intellectuals.

— Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026
This included one of their players poking a finger into the ear of the Belgian penalty-spot protector Diego Moreira, and responding to the reactionary elbow to the tummy by going down, and staying down, on top of the penalty mark.

— Geir Jordet, New York Times, 15 July 2026

Definition of reactionary

Adjective

These rifts were mirrored at the École, where students argued about politics and split into groups according to their leftist persuasions.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 July 2026
And fortuitously, Napalm Death, who played a 19-minute set, espouse the same lefty politics as NPR, in fact maybe even a little more leftist, all things considered, since Barney Greenway wore a Crass T-shirt to the gig.

— Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026

Definition of leftist

Adjective

However, Leo’s shadow can show up as a mix of defensiveness, entitlement or an excessive attachment to validation.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
That said, a recent Europe-wide survey by EU-OSHA reveals that concerns about excessive heat are becoming increasingly universal, with one in five workers reporting unhealthy exposure to extreme temperatures and around one in eight to intense sun.

— Oliver Balch, Fortune, 27 July 2026

Definition of excessive

Adjective

Increasingly, his mind was preoccupied with extremist views and conspiracy theories, including secret government cabals and false-flag operations.

— Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
In Dubai, more than 200 nationalities coexist in peace, security, and prosperity because tolerance is actively enforced, leaving zero room for extremist ideologies.

— Liron Zaslansky, semafor.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of extremist

Adjective

But even as Vancouver has begun the painful process of revising its harm-reduction policies, the city still exerts a powerful hold on the imagination of liberal leaders in the United States.

— Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
The former lieutenant governor made the announcement in a video posted on his Facebook page as democratic socialist Francesca Hong has garnered strong support from the liberal wing of the party.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026

Definition of liberal

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“Rightist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rightist. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rightist

noun

adjective

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