Synonyms for

Radicals

Verb / ˈrædʌkʌlz / / ˈrædɪkʌlz / Another word for radicals — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Radicals are people who advocate thorough or complete political or social change.

Synonyms & similar words

group freeradical base chemicalgroup rootword stem radical root theme revolutionaries extremists militants fanatics zealots insurgents agitators rebels anarchists subversives dissidents protesters activists intransigents nonconformists radicalists renegades mutineers iconoclasts heretics

Synonyms by register

Formal

extremist fundamentalist zealot activist

Informal

firebrand maverick revolutionary agitator

Literary

iconoclast heretic

Antonyms

moderate conservative conventional mainstream orthodox centrist

Common collocations

  • political radicals
  • social radicals
  • radical ideas
  • radical change
  • radical group
  • radical movement
  • radical thinking
  • radical elements

Word family

noun radicalism
adjective radical

Usage note

Often used in political or social contexts to describe individuals or groups with extreme views or advocating for fundamental change. Can carry a negative connotation depending on the context.

Example sentences

  1. The radicals want to change the government completely.
  2. The radicals are protesting against the new law.
  3. The radicals were arrested by the police.
  4. The radicals are often seen as troublemakers.
  5. The radicals are fighting for their rights.

Quotes

  • The ultimate end of all revolutionary social change is to establish the sanctity of human life, the dignity of man, the right of every human being to liberty and well-being. - Emma Goldman
  • A radical is a man with both feet firmly planted in the air. - Franklin D. Roosevelt
  • The only way to deal with fear is to face it head-on. - Martin Luther King Jr.

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