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 • Oct. 24, 2025

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 • Jan. 19, 2024

That recalled Jiang’s earlier experiences when he was persecuted as a rightist under Mao Zedong during the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 14, 2023

Marshall compiled some of the prevailing conjectures, his upbringing in apartheid-era South Africa and his connections with rightist Silicon Valley investor Peter Thiel among them.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2022

Could he really be a rightist after all?

From "Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution" by Ji-li Jiang

Related Words

• conservative
• traditionalist