institutionalist

American  

[in-sti-too-shuhn-uhl-ist] / ˌɪn stɪˈtu ʃən əl ɪst /

noun

plural

institutionalists

1. person who believes in or advocates for institutionalism.

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adjective

1. of or relating to institutionalism.

Other Word Forms

• anti-institutionalist noun
• neo-institutionalist noun

Example Sentences

“That’s a fair point,” he says, but he insists he isn’t an institutionalist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

The institutionalist in him knows that, under the Constitution, the Senate’s power to confirm nominees is equal to a president’s in naming them.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2024

He initially tried to cultivate a reputation as a fair-minded institutionalist, occasionally surprising observers in controversial cases, as he did when he cast the deciding vote upholding the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.

From Salon • Sep. 17, 2024

So what in the world of conceivable interventions could John Roberts, the institutionalist, take?

From Slate • May 28, 2024

Barry was walking round the conservatory, eager and full of faith and hope and fire, talking rapidly, the educational enthusiast, the ardent citizen, the social being, the institutionalist, all over.

From Dangerous Ages by Macaulay, Rose, Dame