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
They were the words of a moral reformer.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026
"She's been a bit of an economic reformer," Gunson says.
From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026
Anna Howard Shaw thought Paul was too young and too militant for the job, but she decided to give her a chance after progressive reformer and suffragist Jane Addams spoke up on Paul’s behalf.
From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling
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.
