Find Antonyms

progressive Antonyms

Opposite of progressive

Because the opposite of progressive shifts with each meaning, the 12 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 5 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• adjective (Context 1)

Favoring or promoting social reform, modern ideas, or new and liberal policies.

Usage Example

"The school board implemented a conservative curriculum that emphasized critical thinking and digital literacy."

Strongest
conservative
reactionary
traditional
Strong
orthodox
conventional

• adjective (Context 2)

Happening or developing gradually or in stages over time.

Usage Example

"Patients often experience a regressive decline in vision if the condition is left untreated."

Strongest
regressive
sudden
abrupt
Strong
intermittent

• noun (Context 3)

An advocate of social reform and modern, liberal policies.

Usage Example

"As a committed conservative, she campaigned tirelessly for universal healthcare and environmental protection."

Strongest
conservative
reactionary
traditionalist

• adjective (Context 4)

Increasing in rate as the taxable amount or base value increases.

Usage Example

"Many economists argue that a regressive income tax helps reduce wealth inequality."

Strongest
regressive
Strong
flat

• adjective (Context 5)

Relating to a verb aspect that expresses an ongoing or incomplete action in progress at a specific time.

Usage Example

"In English grammar, the present perfective tense is formed using a form of 'be' followed by a present participle."

Strong
perfective

Similar words to progressive

Words similar to progressive shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

continuous
forward-thinking
forward-looking
gradual
graduated
reformer
reformist
incremental
See all synonyms of progressive

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Progressive. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/progressive
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