CONSERVATIVES Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

conservatives

noun

plural of conservative

as in Tories

a person whose political beliefs are centered on tradition and keeping things the way they are proposed legislation that was opposed by conservatives throughout the state

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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 conservatives DuVernay clearly wants to reach as broad an audience as possible, incorporating conservatives alongside progressive advocates, politicians, historians, attorneys, comedians and political influencers. — Beandrea July, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026 But if conservatives and independents who claim to believe in the constitution and fiscal responsibility actually vote that way, that will finally change. — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 Proponents of Amendment 85 — including conservatives and liberals — say tax impacts and other necessary information can still appear in ballot measures. — Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 Tarrant County is frequently touted by conservatives as the largest red urban county in the nation, but Democrats have teased that the county is bound to flip in their favor. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026 But conservatives could only focus on race, Hancock said, because the idea of a Black welfare abuser has worked for them for decades. — Laura Turbay, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 Sánchez campaigned relentlessly on the fear that the conservatives would need Vox to govern. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 Credit rating agencies typically don’t weigh in on campaigns and political debates, but fiscal conservatives say Wall Street is voicing concerns to those who listen carefully. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026 The 21-year-old Michigan State senior is also head of the local chapter of Turning Point, the group for young conservatives whose founder, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated last year. — Jacqueline Ganun, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for conservatives

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
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

Definition of rightists

Noun

Hegseth also announced that billionaire right-wingers Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey are going to help guide the future of the military, which doesn’t sound terrifying at all.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Gratified right-wingers closely examined the charges and pointed to the prosecution as validation of their belief that conservative Christians across America are being oppressed by violent left-leaning protesters.

— Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026

Definition of right-wingers

Noun

There are stuffing recipes here for traditionalists and Thanksgiving rule breakers alike.

— Hannah Lee Leidy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026
When brutal rationalism is challenged, especially by traditionalists, its defenders will often justify themselves by pointing to the intelligence of its adherents.

— Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of traditionalists

Noun

Rowling has been staunchly critical of transgender rights activists, funding legal efforts to protect women’s rights and penning X/Twitter posts that are considered to be attacks by the trans community.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2026
The five-year agreement includes field naming rights with on-field branding at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium.

— Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of rights

Noun

An investigation into the apocalyptic thinking of Christian nationalists, tech-bro reactionaries and populist survivalists.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
America First ideologues, backed by the government in Washington, condemn Europe in pretty much the same terms that European reactionaries once used against the United States.

— Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of reactionaries

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conservativeness

conservatives

conservator

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“Conservatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conservatives. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of conservatives

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