reformist

[ ri-fawr-mist ]

noun

1. a person who advocates or practices reform; reformer.
2. a member of any reformed reformed denomination.

adjective

1. Also re·form·istic. of or belonging to a movement for reform.

Other Words From

• re·formism noun
• anti·re·formist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reformist¹

First recorded in 1580–90; reform + -ist

Example Sentences

Then there's what you call a "reformist practical philosophy."

From Salon

But the Breed of six years ago was more open to experimenting with a progressive reformist agenda when it came to solving complex issues such as addiction and poverty.

From Los Angeles Times

But the Breed of six years ago was more open to experimenting with a progressive reformist agenda when it came to solving intractable issues such as addiction and poverty.

From Los Angeles Times

By the late 1880s the Liberal Party — which, broadly speaking, represented Britain’s reformist middle class — had halfheartedly committed itself to “home rule” for Ireland, which meant … well, nobody was sure what it meant, but some form of self-government well short of actual independence.

From Salon

The Lords was resurrected 11 years later and remains largely intact to this day - to the annoyance of reformist governments past and present.

From BBC

Related Words

• forward-looking
• forward-thinking
• left
• left of center
• leftist
• liberal