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Definitions

conservative

[kuhn-sur-vuh-tiv] / kənˈsɜr və tɪv /
ADJECTIVE
cautious, moderate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
traditional
STRONG
cautious constant conventional firm moderate old-fashioned stable steady timid unadventurous
WEAK
bourgeois controlled fearful fogyish fuddy-duddy guarded hidebound holding to illiberal inflexible not extreme orthodox sober traditionalistic unchangeable unchanging uncreative undaring unimaginative unprogressive
Antonyms
STRONGEST
incautious
STRONG
changeable inconstant unfixed unstable unsteady untrustworthy wavering
WEAK
exaggerated
ADJECTIVE
tending to preserve the status quo
Synonyms
STRONGEST
right of center right-wing
WEAK
Tory middle-of-the-road old guard old-line reactionary
Antonyms
WEAK
left-wing liberal progressive radical
NOUN
an opponent of change
Synonyms
STRONGEST
right-winger traditionalist
STRONG
classicist preserver reactionary rightist stick-in-the-mud
WEAK
Tory bitter-ender conserver conventionalist hard hat middle-of-the-roader old guard old liner standpat
Antonyms
WEAK
left-winger liberal progressive radical

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Turning Point USA, founded by the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has built a network of thousands of student chapters nationwide.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

Thomas, one of the court’s most conservative justices, was equally spirited this week on a different topic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Some, including conservative Catholic bishops, bemoaned the assault against a major religious leader.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

Rinehart is one of Australia's biggest private donors to sports, charities and conservative political parties.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Some federal judges, including conservative judges, have quit in protest of federal drug laws and sentencing guidelines.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

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