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
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Recent Examples of conservative
Erica Meltzer, The Tennessean, 2 Aug. 2025
Crawford, 60, defeated conservative Waukesha County Circuit Judge Brad Schimel in the April 1 election.
—Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
More than 770,000 people were living on the streets or shelters last year, up 18% from the previous year, leading conservatives to question the approach and to suggest more hardline practices.
—A Martínez, NPR, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for conservative
Adjective
Michael Petrilli, president of the conservative Thomas B. Fordham Institute, said Schwinn’s withdrawal reflects poorly on the Republican Party.
—Erica Meltzer, The Tennessean, 2 Aug. 2025
Crawford, 60, defeated conservative Waukesha County Circuit Judge Brad Schimel in the April 1 election.
—Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
Hank has always been conservative but not dogmatic Hank has always been a reliable conservative, a Reagan man, but was never dogmatic.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
More than 770,000 people were living on the streets or shelters last year, up 18% from the previous year, leading conservatives to question the approach and to suggest more hardline practices.
—A Martínez, NPR, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for conservative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conservative
Adjective
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About 68% of traditional elementary schools in those districts had an average roster size under 23 students, compared to 37% in the other board districts.—
Rory Linnane,
jsonline.com,
31 July 2025
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Ford’s traditional business operations, known as Ford Blue, earned $661 million in the quarter compared with $1.17 billion in the year-ago quarter.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
Freep.com,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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That those brilliant turquoise waves had flattened and hardened into muted whites and grays.—
Laura Poppick
July 22,
Literary Hub,
22 July 2025
-
Julia is dressed quite plainly in servants’ clothing, while Henry looks slightly more well-to-do, though he’s also fitted in muted browns (and notably is wearing a kilt!).—
Maureen Lee Lenker Published,
EW.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
Aston Martin Formula One driver Fernando Alonso has revealed a cautious approach in the wet-weather racing argument after the previous race at Spa-Francorchamps saw the FIA delay the race start by 80 minutes due to rain.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Aug. 2025
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Some analysts, including those at Barclays, have also pointed out that there could be potential deceleration in the second half, keeping cautious ratings despite the company’s optimistic outlook.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Funds could support conservative seminaries like Nashotah House, a conservative seminary in the Anglican tradition, or pastors from the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, ensuring orthodox leadership for historic churches.—
The Rev. Jake Dell,
Hartford Courant,
7 July 2025
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The religious advisory board includes Christian and Jewish members from traditions including Catholicism, evangelicalism, Greek Orthodox Christianity and orthodox Judaism.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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Accessible only by boat, the island features quiet trails, pebble beaches, and one campsite on the north end.—
Katherine Lawless,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Aug. 2025
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At least the Cubs can take heart knowing the 64-44 Brewers, their chief rival in the NL Central, also stayed quiet.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The hamstring injury Mount suffered overextending his leg in the Manchester derby in December kept him out until March, and Amorim was careful to reintroduce him — and praised his diligence in returning to fitness.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
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The trailer is careful to showcase the film’s scale – fighter planes soar, speedboats roar, trains careen, and cities flash by in a blur – while keeping plot details tantalizingly out of reach.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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Several Republican members who spent years hyping up the Epstein case remained restrained in criticizing the White House's handling of the matter.—
John Parkinson,
ABC News,
24 July 2025
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This restrained color story feels fresh yet timeless.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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Judge, always wary of self-congratulation, downplayed his contributions.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
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Safeties will be wary of the 221-pounder, enhancing Herbert’s long-ball options.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Conservative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conservative. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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