conservatism
Americannoun
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the disposition to preserve or restore what is established and traditional and to limit change.
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the principles and practices of political conservatives.
noun
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the form of conservatism advocated by the Conservative Party
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the policies, doctrines, or practices of the Conservative Party
noun
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opposition to change and innovation
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a political philosophy advocating the preservation of the best of the established order in society and opposing radical change
Other Word Forms
- anticonservatism noun
- hyperconservatism noun
- overconservatism noun
Etymology
Origin of conservatism
First recorded in 1825–35; conservat(ive) + -ism
Explanation
When people discuss politics and mention the word conservatism, they're talking about a philosophy that favors making few changes in society, sticking with traditions, and often spending as little money as possible. Conservatism is most often used to describe the beliefs of right-wing politicians and the people who tend to vote for them. There are some who practice fiscal conservatism — which focuses on reducing spending and cutting budgets — while being more liberal socially. Social conservatism tends to favor things like traditional roles for women and men, and to object to major changes in society like same sex marriage. A person who embraces conservatism is called a conservative.
Vocabulary lists containing conservatism
Content Summary 5.2: Effects of the Atlantic Revolutions
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U.S. Government - Middle School and High School
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Stamped
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Business customers have been slow to adopt artificial-intelligence tools in a systematic way, but some of that conservatism is beginning to fade.
From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026
Other analysts liked that American has already included the storm’s effects and some conservatism in its guidance for the current quarter.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 28, 2026
Sir John Hayes, one of Braverman's oldest allies in politics, said Rael "reinforced" his wife's conservatism.
From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026
These are the mainstream of Australian conservatism and the Australian right.
From Slate • Dec. 18, 2025
He handpicked the review board’s three members and its chief counsel, Roger Robb, a former federal prosecutor with a reputation for courtroom ferocity and political conservatism.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
