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conservatism

noun
con·​ser·​va·​tism | \ kən-ˈsər-və-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce conservatism (audio) \

Definition of conservatism

1 capitalized

a : the principles and policies of a Conservative party
b : the Conservative party
2a : disposition in politics to preserve what is established
b : a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions, and preferring gradual development to abrupt change specifically : such a philosophy calling for lower taxes, limited government regulation of business and investing, a strong national defense, and individual financial responsibility for personal needs (such as retirement income or health-care coverage)
3 : the tendency to prefer an existing or traditional situation to change religious conservatism cultural conservatism
Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about conservatism

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Examples of conservatism in a Sentence

the state's well-known conservatism means that progressive legislation always has an uphill battle

Recent Examples on the Web

 Furthermore, national conservatism is paternalistic populism. — George F. Will, The Mercury News, "Will: “National conservatism” is “Elizabeth Warren conservatism”," 11 Aug. 2019 Furthermore, national conservatism is paternalistic populism. — George Will, Twin Cities, "George Will: ‘National conservatism’ is ‘Elizabeth Warren conservatism’," 11 Aug. 2019 Furthermore, national conservatism is paternalistic populism. — George F. Will, The Denver Post, "Will: “National conservatism” is “Elizabeth Warren conservatism”," 11 Aug. 2019 Only time will tell whether national conservatism is a politically viable vehicle for doing so. — Osita Nwanevu, The New Yorker, "Conservative Nationalism Is Trumpism for Intellectuals," 21 July 2019 The Contemporary Arts Center, since it was founded in 1939, is one place Cincinnati has pushed the boundaries of our supposed conservatism and gone for big-city status. — Polly Campbell, Cincinnati.com, "Fausto is contemporary restaurant for Contemporary Arts Center," 15 July 2019 The original box for the game Twister was jarring in its conservatism. — Michael Waters, Smithsonian, "When Twister Was Too Risqué For America," 10 July 2019 Losing power is bad because conservatism is a governing creed. — The Economist, "Conservatism is fighting for its life against reactionary nationalism," 4 July 2019 This call can be read as a case for liberal conservatism, but it can just as easily be seen as a penetrating description of our peculiar moment — a prescient warning that nihilism awaits all those who flee from life’s greatest questions. — Sahil Handa, National Review, "Seeking a Way Out of Our Modern Malaise," 4 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'conservatism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of conservatism

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for conservatism

see conserve entry 1

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More Definitions for conservatism

conservatism

noun
How to pronounce conservatism (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of conservatism

: belief in the value of established and traditional practices in politics and society
: dislike of change or new ideas in a particular area

See the full definition for conservatism in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on conservatism

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with conservatism

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for conservatism

Spanish Central: Translation of conservatism

Nglish: Translation of conservatism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conservatism

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