1
as in extreme
being very far from the center of public opinion
the baggy trousers that Amelia Bloomer introduced in the 1850s were considered a radical form of dress for women at the time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in liberal
not bound by traditional ways or beliefs
radical proponents of spelling reform would have every word spelled "just the way it sounds"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in wonderful
slang
of the very best kind
surfing conditions at virtually all of the beaches along the coast were truly radical
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in revolutionary
a person who favors rapid and sweeping changes especially in laws and methods of government
radicals staged large, violent protests in the hopes of toppling the government
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of radical
Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Championing not just human magnificence but human imperfection is a radical turn.
—Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 27 May 2026
IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026
Researchers from Japan have developed biocompatible molecular quantum nanosensors (MoQNs) that can measure temperature and detect chemical radicals inside living cells with unprecedented precision.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for radical
Adjective
On Court 6, Thanasi Kokkinakis was playing his first Grand Slam match for 16 months, and first since the radical surgery that involved a dead person’s Achilles tendon being attached between his right pectoral muscle and shoulder.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Championing not just human magnificence but human imperfection is a radical turn.
—Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 27 May 2026
Noun
By using multiple pulses in a sequence, chemists can study additional properties of radicals that are difficult to see with continuous-wave EPR, says Sideris, who recently moved to Stanford University.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026
Researchers from Japan have developed biocompatible molecular quantum nanosensors (MoQNs) that can measure temperature and detect chemical radicals inside living cells with unprecedented precision.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for radical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for radical
Adjective
-
It should not be used for broiling, high-heat searing or any cooking method that requires extreme heat.—
Ryan Brennan
June 2,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
-
As with the rest of the hotel, rooms and suites blend extreme comfort and modern convenience with antique beauty, atmosphere and brilliant art.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote a dissent that was joined by her fellow liberal justices, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
-
His candidacy has drawn national attention as a barometer for dissatisfaction with liberal urban governance and because of viral videos that supporters created with artificial intelligence.—
MIchael R. Blood,
Fortune,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Delisle was fiery and wonderful, but the angel came later.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
The retro American bar—with its picture windows right on the river—is a wonderful spot for a glass of fizz or a vintage Negroni.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
The film currently holds a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising Riley for being a romantic and a revolutionary in equal measure.—
Olivia Shalhoup,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
-
Perpetual identification with revolutionaries isn't great for the nation's political health.—
Evan Gottesman,
Washington Post,
25 May 2026
Adjective
-
Driven by rabid demand for chips that power artificial intelligence, the Boise manufacturer’s stock jumped more than 28% Tuesday into Wednesday, topping out at $955 per share to open trading on May 27.—
Mark Dee
May 27,
Idaho Statesman,
27 May 2026
-
The Giants also have leaned heavily into Dart’s rising star and fame, feeding the desperate and rabid fan base with the hope Dart’s rookie flashes represents.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
Soon, this recognition stretched to include representational painting by younger Black artists, as museums, galleries, and collectors still more clearly signaled their progressive intent.—
Katy Siegel,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
-
Still, Cepeda and Petro have maintained strong support among many Colombians because of progressive policies advanced under Petro, such as boosting the minimum wage.—
Megan Janetsky,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Monroe’s image-making Monroe always had greater agency over her still images than her moving images, which were largely determined by the film studios and directors.—
Sheena McKenzie,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
-
In performance and direction, and in the small ways in which Caswell and Wills have plotted out this isolated love story, there’s a level of great richness and detail.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Pratt, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the race’s most unconventional and unpredictable candidates.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
29 May 2026
-
Last year, Smith acknowledged the artsy small city is an unconventional place to find world-class pizza.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Radical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/radical. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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