Synonyms for

Conservatism

Verb / kʌˈnsɜ:vʌˌtɪzʌm / Another word for conservatism — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Conservatism is a political and social philosophy that emphasizes traditional values, limited government intervention, and free market capitalism.

Synonyms & similar words

conservativism traditionalism rightism reactionism orthodoxy conventionalism moderation caution prudence preservation stability security order control restriction restraint austerity economy frugality thrift parsimony

Synonyms by register

Formal

traditionalism orthodoxy conservancy staunchness

Informal

old-fashionedness traditional ways sticking to the old ways

Literary

timelessness endurance

Antonyms

liberalism progressivism radicalism reformism modernism innovation

Common collocations

  • political conservatism
  • fiscal conservatism
  • social conservatism
  • economic conservatism
  • cultural conservatism
  • degree of conservatism
  • tendency towards conservatism

Word family

noun conservatism
verb conserve
adjective conservative
adverb conservatively

Usage note

Conservatism often refers to a political ideology that favors tradition and gradual change, but it can also describe a general resistance to change or a desire to preserve existing conditions.

Example sentences

  1. He follows conservatism and believes in limited government intervention.
  2. She supports conservatism because of its emphasis on traditional values.
  3. Conservatism is often associated with the Republican party in the United States.
  4. Many countries have conservative political parties that promote conservatism.
  5. Conservatism has been a major force in politics for many years.

Quotes

  • "Conservatism is not so much a philosophy as an attitude, a constant force, performing a timeless function in the development of a free society, and corresponding to a deep and permanent requirement of human nature itself." - Russell Kirk
  • "Conservatism is not about leaving people behind. Conservatism is about empowering people to catch up, to give them the tools at their disposable that make it possible for them to access all the hope, all the promise, all the opportunity that America offers. And our programs to help them should reflect that." - Marco Rubio
  • "True conservatism is not a matter of preserving things as they are, but of restoring them to their true principles." - J. Reuben Clark

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