A political or theological orientation advocating the preservation of the best in society and opposing radical changes.

synonym: conservativism.

Roget 670: preservation; safe-keeping; conservation etc. (storage) 636; maintenance, support, susteritation^†, conservatism; vis conservatrix^†; salvation etc. (deliverance) 672.    [Means of preservation] prophylaxis; preserver, preservative, additive; antibiotics, antifungals [Med.], biocide; hygiastics^†, hygiantics^†; cover, drugget^†; cordon sanitaire [Fr.]; canning; ensilage; tinned goods, canned goods.    [Superstitious remedies] snake oil, spider webs, cure-all; laetrile; charm etc. 993.    ... show more

Roget 737b: politics; political science; candidacy, campaign, campaigning, electioneering; partisanship, ideology, factionalism.    election, poll, ballot, vote, referendum, recall, initiative, voice, suffrage, plumper, cumulative vote, plebiscitum [Lat.], plebiscite, vox populi; electioneering; voting etc. v.; elective franchise; straight ticket [U.S.]; opinion poll, popularity poll.    issue; opinion, stand, position; program, platform; party line.    [ideologies] democracy, republicanism; communism, statism, state socialism; socialism; conservatism, toryism; liberalism, whigism; theocracy; constitutional monarchy.    [political parties] party etc. 712; [U.S: Political parties list], Democratic Party, Republican Party, Socialist Party; Communist Party; [U.S. defunct parties: list], Federalist Party, Bull Moose Party, Abolitionist Party; [Germany: list], Christian Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party; National Socialist Worker's Party; [Germany, 1930-1945], Nazi Party; [Great Britain:list], Liberal Party, Labor Party, Conservative Party.    ticket, slate.    [person active in politics] politician activist; [specific politicians: list], candidate, aspirant, hopeful, office-seeker, front-runner, dark horse, long shot, shoo-in; supporter, backer, political worker, campaign worker; lobbyist, contributor; party hack, ward heeler; regional candidate, favorite son; running mate, stalking horse; perpetual candidate, political animal.    political contribution, campaign contribution; political action committee, PAC.    political district, electoral division, electoral district, bailiwick.    electorate, constituents.    get-out-the-vote campaign, political education.    negative campaigning, dirty politics, smear campaign.    [unsuccessful candidate] also-ran, loser; has-been.    [successful candidate] office holder, official, occupant of a position; public servant, incumbent; winner.    ... show more

Dutch: behoudzucht, conservatisme
Polish: konserwatyzm