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

In fact, he’s decided to go all the way from an angry leftist to a very angry rightist. — NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026 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 While America First drew supporters from across the political spectrum, it was most associated with rightists. — Justin Elliott, ProPublica, 26 Oct. 2022

Adjective

Israel launched the war in response to an October 2023 invasion by Hamas which blindsided Netanyahu’s religious-rightist government. — Dan Williams, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026 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

Brattin was a member of the Missouri Freedom Caucus, an outspoken group of conservatives whose disruptive and boisterous tactics defined Missouri politics for years.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026
There are socialists, libertarians, progressives, and conservatives.

— Jason Thurlkill, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of conservative

Adjective

His method is often to approach cultural or political phenomena, progressive or reactionary, with a mix of Gen X irony and sincere moralism which, by degrees, subtly shifts the frame of the discourse to the right.

— Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
While this may all sound a bit reactionary or like shooting fish in a barrel, Mungiu wisely complicates matters.

— Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of reactionary

Adjective

Because Sand has not served in a legislative capacity, he isn’t burdened by a controversial voting record on leftist policies, as is Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, who is also trying to flip a red state seat.

— Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
Festivals aren’t rewarding leftist politics so much as wrapping gore in political language.

— Joseph Kahn, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of leftist

Adjective

Dry eye disease is tied to excessive tear evaporation or inflammation on the eye’s surface.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
The researchers also reported that giving testosterone after injury reduced the excessive cardiovascular reactivity caused by traumatic brain injury in their model.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of excessive

Adjective

Lawyers for victims’ relatives claim that a group of extremist religious leaders in Saudi Arabia aided the hijackers.

— Tom Winter, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2026
Netanyahu’s uncompromising stance helps placate his extremist coalition partners, justify permanent Israeli military control over Gaza, and indefinitely forestall any political accommodation with the Palestinians.

— KHALED ELGINDY, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of extremist

Adjective

Because the right is viewed as divisive by liberal corporations, and the left is viewed as empathetic common sense.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
This process is evident in Egypt and Turkey, where declining mosque attendance has accompanied the growing appeal of liberal values, particularly secularism.

— Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of liberal

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

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Synonyms of rightist

noun

adjective

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