reformer
Americannoun
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a person devoted to bringing about significant change in attitudes and practices, such as in politics or society generally or within a particular organization.
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Church History. Reformer, any of the leaders of the Reformation.
Other Word Forms
- antireformer noun
- counterreformer noun
Etymology
Origin of reformer
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.
The 57-year-old has built a reputation as a reformer intent on curbing the waste of public money and attracting EU funds, but has been criticised for his "inflexibility".
From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026
But so far the discreet American has drawn less fervour than Argentine reformer Pope Francis, who died last April after leading the world's 1.4 billion Catholics for 12 years.
From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026
He no longer spoke primarily as a reformer, but as a performer on the political stage—a power broker.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026
On the way in, I had seen women in the reformer room chatting animatedly as they packed up.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2026
The Europeans who came ashore at Cape Cod in November of 1620 carried a view of the world that was based on the teachings of Christian religious reformer John Calvin.
From "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
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.
