conservatism

American  

[kuhn-sur-vuh-tiz-uhm] / kənˈsɜr vəˌtɪz əm /

noun

1. the disposition to preserve or restore what is established and traditional and to limit change.

2. the principles and practices of political conservatives.

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conservatism ¹ British  

/ kənˈsɜːvəˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. opposition to change and innovation

2. a political philosophy advocating the preservation of the best of the established order in society and opposing radical change

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Conservatism ² British  

/ kənˈsɜːvəˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. the form of conservatism advocated by the Conservative Party

2. the policies, doctrines, or practices of the Conservative Party

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conservatism Cultural  

1. A general preference for the existing order of society, and an opposition to efforts to bring about sharp change. (Compare liberalism.)

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Other Word Forms

• anticonservatism noun
• hyperconservatism noun
• overconservatism noun

Etymology

Origin of conservatism

First recorded in 1825–35; conservat(ive) + -ism

Example Sentences

You would think that by the logic of such trauma I would have become a peace activist, but it became for me a predicate to conservatism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 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

Long overshadowed by south Nigeria's Nollywood, filmmakers in the north of Africa's cinema powerhouse are pushing boundaries in search of international eyeballs -- all while navigating the Muslim-majority region's social conservatism.

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026

These are the mainstream of Australian conservatism and the Australian right.

From Slate • Dec. 18, 2025

He's hoping to promote an image of quiet conservatism, but please!

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

Related Words

• moderation
• orthodoxy