as in conservatives
a person whose political beliefs are centered on tradition and keeping things the way they are
a traditionalist who doesn't believe in expanding government
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Recent Examples of traditionalists
Tradition Is King Southerners are notorious traditionalists.
—
Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
Their music electrifies the youths and stirs the wrath of traditionalists, igniting a confrontation between modernity and superstition.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2025
There’s also an argument — and maybe this is just one for traditionalists — that football is also supposed to be, on some level, a test of individual stamina and adaptability.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
These traditionalists support overhauling the popular entitlement programs Medicare and Social Security, the health insurance and pension programs for seniors, respectively.
—David M. Drucker, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
And yet, this unpredictability is precisely what traditionalists often love about the game.
—Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
Many traditionalists do not believe biblical teachings allow for women to hold roles such as bishop.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Country exists in two realities at once — the fiddles-and-steel-guitar traditionalists on one side and glossy crossovers on the other.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
For traditionalists like Coles, yachting means tailoring every element—menus, destinations, activities, even formality—to an owner or a charter guest, with the crew creating a familial experience usually limited to 12 passengers.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025
Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
Their music electrifies the youths and stirs the wrath of traditionalists, igniting a confrontation between modernity and superstition.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2025
There’s also an argument — and maybe this is just one for traditionalists — that football is also supposed to be, on some level, a test of individual stamina and adaptability.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
These traditionalists support overhauling the popular entitlement programs Medicare and Social Security, the health insurance and pension programs for seniors, respectively.
—David M. Drucker, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
And yet, this unpredictability is precisely what traditionalists often love about the game.
—Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
Many traditionalists do not believe biblical teachings allow for women to hold roles such as bishop.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Country exists in two realities at once — the fiddles-and-steel-guitar traditionalists on one side and glossy crossovers on the other.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
For traditionalists like Coles, yachting means tailoring every element—menus, destinations, activities, even formality—to an owner or a charter guest, with the crew creating a familial experience usually limited to 12 passengers.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for traditionalists
conservatives
Noun
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That is a recipe for political disruption that defies classic lines between Republicans and Democrats and between conservatives and liberals − particularly among younger voters who have less history with and allegiance to either party.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The two worst organizations in America are the self-serving politicians on both sides and the money-seeking, self-serving right-wing religious conservatives.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Traditionalists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/traditionalists. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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