Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reformist
Explanation
In politics, someone who believes that a government or economy should be improved through gradual changes is a reformist. Reformists tend to focus on working within existing systems and pushing through small changes over time, even if they believe those systems need major repair and reform. In politics, they are often compared with revolutionaries, who advocate for completely overhauling broken governments or societies and replacing them with something new. The Latin root of reformist is reformare, "to form again."
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.
Rations were further curtailed in 2008, when reformist ex-president Raul Castro eliminated what he called "undue subsidies and freebies" such as cigars, toothpaste and oil.
From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2026
Twelve years ago, he won power by promoting himself as a reformist who would end public corruption and solve India’s unemployment problem.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
In the mayoral race, incumbent Karen Bass is running slightly ahead of progressive city councilwoman Nithya Raman and the reformist Republican Spencer Pratt.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 1, 2026
It was pushed down to third place behind the reformist People's Party, and eclipsed by the conservative Bhumjaithai party, which benefitted from a surge of nationalist sentiment after the border war with Cambodia.
From BBC ● May 10, 2026
Yet an ugliness often lurked beneath the reformist zeal of Progressivism.
From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
