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Synonyms

environmentalist

American  
[en-vahy-ruhn-men-tl-ist, -vahy-ern-] / ɛnˌvaɪ rənˈmɛn tl ɪst, -ˌvaɪ ərn- /

noun

  1. an expert on environmental problems.

  2. any person who advocates or works to protect the air, water, animals, plants, and other natural resources from pollution or its effects.

  3. a person who believes that differences between individuals or groups, especially in moral and intellectual attributes, are predominantly determined by environmental factors, as surroundings, upbringing, or experience (hereditarian ).


environmentalist British  
/ ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmɛntəlɪst /

noun

  1. an adherent of environmentalism

  2. a person who is concerned with the maintenance of ecological balance and the conservation of the environment

  3. a person concerned with issues that affect the environment, such as pollution

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • antienvironmentalist noun
  • environmentalism noun

Etymology

Origin of environmentalist

First recorded in 1915–20; environmental ( def. ) + -ist

Compare meaning

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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.

However, he came under fire from environmentalists for backing a controversial oil-exploration project near the mouth of the Amazon River, which began in October.

From Barron's

This extraordinary man of parts was a novelist, nature writer, editor, environmentalist, political activist, outdoorsman and Zen master.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the midst of Belém’s COP30 bedlam, environmentalists, economists, lobbyists and diplomats busily haggle at the global climate conference about what we can and cannot get away with in negotiations over Mother Nature.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the warm reception Newsom has received in Belém, environmentalists in California have recently questioned his commitment.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a major win for environmentalists and federal wildlife officials who want to protect northern spotted owls that have been crowded out by their larger, more aggressive cousins.

From Los Angeles Times