con·ser·va·tive
kən-ˈsər-və-tiv 
1
a
: of or relating to a philosophy of conservatism
b
Conservative
: of or constituting a political party professing the principles of conservatism: such as
(1)
: of or constituting a party of the United Kingdom advocating support of established institutions
(2)
2
a
: tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions : traditional
conservative policies
b
: marked by moderation or caution
a conservative estimate
c
: marked by or relating to traditional norms of taste, elegance, style, or manners
a conservative suit
a conservative architectural style
3
Conservative
: of, relating to, or practicing Conservative Judaism
4
conservatively
adverb
conservativeness
noun
1
a
: an adherent or advocate of political conservatism
b
Conservative
: a member or supporter of a conservative political party
2
a
: one who adheres to traditional methods or views
b
: a cautious or discreet person
Synonyms
Examples of conservative in a Sentence
Adjective
She is a liberal Democrat who married a conservative Republican.
She's more conservative now than she was in college.
Noun
His message is being well received by conservatives.
proposed legislation that was opposed by conservatives throughout the state
Recent Examples on the Web
Sue Lani Madsen | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 Aug. 2024
The corporate aesthetic is a common theme as many of the outfits and backgrounds are neutral and conservative.
—Cory Dawson, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Aug. 2024
David Blumenthal and Sara Rosenbaum, STAT, 6 Aug. 2024
With an eye on winning over conservatives considering Smiley, Newhouse's campaign has attacked her for creating a political action committee ostensibly aimed at raising money for Republican candidates but that the Seattle Times found had mostly worked to retire Smiley's 2022 campaign debt.
—Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for conservative 
Adjective
In 2025, the Center for Latino Leadership hopes to add conservative members to the Legislature to join Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, and Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy.
—Sue Lani Madsen | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 Aug. 2024
The corporate aesthetic is a common theme as many of the outfits and backgrounds are neutral and conservative.
—Cory Dawson, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Aug. 2024
Noun
Though conservatives had long opposed the precedent as concentrating too much power in the executive branch, Chevron offered at least three advantages for both new laws and laws whose regulations must be updated to account for changes over time.
—David Blumenthal and Sara Rosenbaum, STAT, 6 Aug. 2024
With an eye on winning over conservatives considering Smiley, Newhouse's campaign has attacked her for creating a political action committee ostensibly aimed at raising money for Republican candidates but that the Seattle Times found had mostly worked to retire Smiley's 2022 campaign debt.
—Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for conservative
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conservative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near conservative
Cite this Entry
“Conservative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conservative. Accessed 17 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
conservative
1 of 2 adjective
con·ser·va·tive
kən-ˈsər-vət-iv
1
: tending to conserve or preserve
2
: of or relating to conservatism
3
: tending to preserve existing views, conditions, or institutions : traditional
5
: being in agreement with the usual standards of taste or manners
a conservative suit
conservatively
adverb
conservativeness
noun
conservative
2 of 2 noun
: a person who is conservative especially in politics
Medical Definition
conservative
adjective
con·ser·va·tive
kən-ˈsər-vət-iv
: not extreme or drastic
especially
: designed to preserve parts or restore or preserve function
conservative treatment of prostate cancer by watchful waiting or hormonal therapy in contrast to radical prostatectomy
compare aggressive sense 3, radical entry 1
conservatively
adverb
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