reformer

[ ri-fawr-mer ]

noun

1. a person devoted to bringing about significant change in attitudes and practices, such as in politics or society generally or within a particular organization.
2. Reformer, Church History. any of the leaders of the Reformation.

Other Words From

• an·ti·re·form·er noun
• coun·ter·re·form·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reformer¹

First recorded in 1520–30; reform + -er ¹

Example Sentences

As reformers worked in January 1975 to draft legislation that would have changed Idaho from an elected coroner system to one headed by a state medical examiner, funeral home directors organized a preemptive strike.

From Salon

Gutam says many prefer to boost their chances for career advancement by publishing in prestigious journals from European and U.S. publishers, which some reformers have criticized as unreliable and overly restrictive gatekeepers of quality papers.

From Science Magazine

Some of Gaetz's former House colleagues have voiced support for his nomination, including Speaker Mike Johnson, who called him a "reformer" who would "bring a lot to the table".

From BBC

Gaetz, he claimed, was an “accomplished attorney,” despite his thin legal resume, and “a reformer in his mind and heart.”

From Salon

"He's a reformer in his mind and heart, and I think that he'll bring a lot to the table on that," said Johnson.

From BBC

Related Words

• agitator
• anarchist
• extremist
• fanatic
• firebrand
• insurgent
• leftist
• militant
• progressive
• rebel
• renegade
• revolutionary
• rioter
• subversive