Synonyms for

Radical

Verb / ˈrædʌkʌl / / ˈrædɪkʌl / Another word for radical — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Radical means very different from the usual or traditional way of doing things.

Synonyms & similar words

extremist cauline basal freeradical base rootword stem revolutionary root ultra theme group chemicalgroup extreme revolutionary unconventional unorthodox innovative new original progressive unusual nonconformist nontraditional offbeat avant-garde advanced cutting-edge experimental modern novel original outlandish

Synonyms by register

Formal

fundamental thorough extreme drastic

Informal

extreme over the top way out out there

Literary

root essential primal

Antonyms

moderate conservative conventional gradual mild limited

Common collocations

  • radical change
  • radical idea
  • radical reform
  • radical approach
  • radical departure
  • radical thinking
  • radical element

Word family

noun radicalism
adjective radical
adverb radically

Usage note

Often used to describe political or social change, 'radical' implies a desire to get to the root of a problem or to make fundamental changes. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being extreme or dangerous.

Example sentences

  1. The artist's work was radical and different from anything seen before.
  2. The politician had a radical plan to change the way the government operated.
  3. The scientist had a radical theory about the origins of the universe.
  4. The fashion designer's collection was filled with radical designs and unusual colors.
  5. The chef's radical approach to cooking resulted in some unique and delicious dishes.

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