rightist

American  

[rahy-tist] / ˈraɪ tɪst /

adjective

(sometimes initial capital letter)

1. of or relating to conservative or reactionary political views; noting or characteristic of the political Right.

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noun

1. a member or supporter of the political Right; conservative or reactionary.

rightist British  

/ ˈraɪtɪst /

adjective

1. of, tending towards, or relating to the political right or its principles; conservative, traditionalist, or reactionary

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noun

1. a person who supports or belongs to the political right

Other Word Forms

• rightism noun

Etymology

Origin of rightist

First recorded in 1935–40; right + -ist

Compare meaning

How does rightist compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• leftist vs. rightist

Example Sentences

The program also saw federal law enforcement target anti-war protesters, civil rights activists, feminist groups, New Left organizations and even some rightist organizations, like the Ku Klux Klan.

From Salon

They have also fed public disenchantment with the country’s political class as Portugal prepares to celebrate 50 years of democracy, following the Carnation Revolution that toppled a rightist dictatorship on April 25, 1974.

From Seattle Times

Mr. Macron has now deployed Mr. Attal, whose telegenic assurance and ready adaptability make him a natural protégé of the president, against the youthful rightist leader.

From New York Times

However, it was enough to secure a return to government as a junior partner in a rightist coalition, with Berlusconi himself winning a Senate seat, ending his parliamentary exile.

From Reuters

Meloni, who took office last October at the helm of a rightist coalition, encouraged Italian companies to contribute to Ukrainian reconstruction, calling it a "far-sighted" investment.

From Reuters

Related Words

• conservative
• traditionalist