1
as in traditional
tending to favor established ideas, conditions, or institutions
conservative baseball fans consider the new ballpark too modern-looking and plain ugly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in muted
not excessively showy
dressing in conservative outfits so as to make a good impression at job interviews
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in cautious
having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble
made conservative investments, and so he wasn't ruined when the market went into a free fall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in Tory
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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 conservative
Doug Ducey, National Review, 14 Apr. 2025
The former president returned to his private home on Friday from the official residence, with crowds of conservative supporters turning out to greet his motorcade.
—Joyce Lee, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Emily Baker-White, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
This is why conservatives have always been against tariffs.
—ABC News, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for conservative
Adjective
His goal was to gain ground for conservative principles every day, with persuasion as his primary weapon, not shouting and histrionics.
—Doug Ducey, National Review, 14 Apr. 2025
The former president returned to his private home on Friday from the official residence, with crowds of conservative supporters turning out to greet his motorcade.
—Joyce Lee, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
In recent days, the DOGE cuts have rankled even conservatives and proponents of the Trump Administration's agenda.
—Emily Baker-White, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
This is why conservatives have always been against tariffs.
—ABC News, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for conservative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conservative
Adjective
-
Hepworth takes a legal-first approach as opposed to other crypto ''influencers'' or traditional financial consultants, assisting investors in understanding risk, security, and long-term wealth strategies as well as market opportunities.—
Kody Boye,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
These are our favorite open earbuds for every fit and budget. Don’t forget to check out our other guides like the Best Wireless Earbuds, the Best Workout Headphones, and the Best Wireless Headphones for more traditional options.—
Ryan Waniata,
Wired News,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The wooden floors feature graphic patterns, while bold wallpaper sets the tone in the kitchen, and the bedroom is outfitted in calming, muted tones.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
17 Apr. 2025
-
The muted pink color combination adds just the perfect pop of color (without being too bright) to an otherwise moody or even neutral palette.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
At times, that can mean there’s reason to be optimistic or perhaps to be cautious about a hot start.—
Sahadev Sharma,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
-
This is another reason to be cautious about forecasting tariff impacts.—
George Calhoun,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But there should be no such wall—even in the most orthodox capitalist system.—
Paul Laudicina,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Historian William Dalrymple traces the current sectarian divisions to the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb, who shattered the empire’s religious pluralism by trying to impose orthodox Islam on the populace.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
And in a culture that often asks women to go faster, do more, and present themselves perfectly, the act of cooking something small and lovely—just because—is its own quiet form of resistance.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
Today By Paulina Berges Nestled within Okazaki on a quiet residential road, Shinsho-an feels more like a private home than a hotel.—
Christina Liao,
Vogue,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Be careful not to let in too much moisture to avoid any mildew or mold developing on your mattress.—
Terry Baddoo,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Yet Schlossberg is careful to note that May did not shadow-direct the movie during production.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Simmons' initial reaction to the insult was a bit more restrained than his typical unfiltered comments.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
This year, the prestigious but far more restrained perpetual calendar was the complication of choice.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The study, by the Kearney Consumer Institute, found that consumers are wary of spending.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Europe is wary of sleepwalking back into the trap of reliance on Russian energy resources that caused an energy crisis at the outset of the 2022 invasion and mounting speculation that Europe might reopen its taps has sparked pushback from key European voices.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Conservative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conservative. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share