1
as in progressive
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2
as in reformist
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3
as in optimist
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Recent Examples of reformer
The most recent Pope Leo Leo XIII was elected in 1878 and was known as a reformer, a pontiff who emphasized diplomacy, advocated for scientific progress and positioned the church as a defender of human rights.
—
Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 9 May 2025
The cardinal electors face a stark choice — select a pope who will follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis, an Argentine reformer who advocated for migrants and the environment, or one who will guide the Catholic Church down a more traditional path.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 7 May 2025
As a Jesuit priest from Argentina who was highly skeptical of capitalism, Francis—who took his name from Saint Francis of Assisi, a champion of poverty and austerity—promised to be a reformer, vowing to clean up how the Vatican did business, promising more transparency than any of his predecessors.
—Gerald Posner, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Men in the society refused to associate with moral reformers, posing a direct threat to the women who were dependent on them as their primary breadwinners.
—Jenna Deep, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reformer
Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 9 May 2025
The cardinal electors face a stark choice — select a pope who will follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis, an Argentine reformer who advocated for migrants and the environment, or one who will guide the Catholic Church down a more traditional path.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 7 May 2025
As a Jesuit priest from Argentina who was highly skeptical of capitalism, Francis—who took his name from Saint Francis of Assisi, a champion of poverty and austerity—promised to be a reformer, vowing to clean up how the Vatican did business, promising more transparency than any of his predecessors.
—Gerald Posner, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Men in the society refused to associate with moral reformers, posing a direct threat to the women who were dependent on them as their primary breadwinners.
—Jenna Deep, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reformer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reformer
Noun
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For the moment, though, her support did not reach far beyond progressives.—
Evan Osnos,
New Yorker,
26 May 2025
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In an interview with podcaster Joe Rogan, billionaire and Trump megadonor Elon Musk offered his thoughts about what motivates political progressives to support immigration.—
Colin Marshall,
The Conversation,
22 May 2025
Noun
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Interwoven throughout are anecdotes about Zaki’s friendship with a hopeful optimist, which gives the book an accessible, engaging quality.—
Caroline Ceniza-Levine,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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But with a healthy lineup in April, there are at least some optimists who see a way Minnesota could beat Vegas four times between now and early May.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Medicaid changes have divided Republican lawmakers, with some moderates in competitive districts expressing concerns over the risk to constituents losing benefits, while members of the House Freedom Caucus pushed for deeper cuts.—
Dan Gooding
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
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Potential cuts to Medicaid benefits, pullback of renewable energy incentives and measures to reduce the deficit have been among the sticking points between moderates and conservatives.—
Filip Timotija,
The Hill,
28 May 2025
Noun
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While proponents argue that these measures will reduce regulatory delays and bolster U.S. technological leadership, there will no doubt be concerns about potential compromises to safety and the undermining of regulatory independence.—
Garth Friesen,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
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But with three weeks left in the regular session, proponents are still trying to figure out what — if any — changes may move forward this year.—
Jenna Carlesso,
Hartford Courant,
23 May 2025
Noun
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Born in Chicago to progressive parents named Connie and Jerry — in the 1980s, Jerry innovated a way to stir investment in affordable housing — Altman was heavily influenced by their do-gooder spirit.—
Tim Wu,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
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At the northwest corner of La Palma Park, three stone columns were connected by wooden planks that bore seals of the local chapters of do-gooder organizations like the Lions Club, Rotary International and the League of United Latin American Citizens.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2025
Noun
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Under current Catholic doctrine, only men may become priests, based on the belief that Jesus chose male apostles.—
Barney Henderson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
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Paprocki said he was struck by Pope Francis’ joy and reflected that the pontiff spoke to Paprocki and the other bishops with him not as a boss, but as a fellow apostle tasked with the same mission all priests have — to passionately advance their faith.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The documentary significantly adds to the origin story, tracing Reubens’ early days and infatuation with TV kids’ shows and Disney movies — Pollyanna was a favorite — and fleshing out the family’s move to Florida.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
24 Jan. 2025
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But isn’t the cynical explanation also the Pollyanna one?—
Maya Singer,
Vogue,
8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Listen to this article 3 min Professional boxer Georgia O'Connor, 25, has died after a bout with cancer, the professional boxer's promoter, Boxxer, said.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
23 May 2025
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The death of the 25-year-old British professional boxer was announced on Thursday, May 22, by her promoter, Boxxer, in a statement obtained by The Guardian.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reformer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reformer. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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