May we count your visit with Google Analytics? It uses cookies and sends visit data to Google. You can change this any time under Cookie choices. Privacy

 Browse the A to Z list

Reformer

n. thoughtful, resilient formal

What it means

A person who works to correct faults in an institution or society.

Reach for it when praising sustained practical efforts toward systemic improvement

The education reformer paired ambitious standards with support for rural teachers.

Words to choose between 6

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom. Tap a word to see when it fits.
playful
warm
professional
formal
literary

  • playful

    change-maker

    Fits when positive social initiative deserves accessible praise

    Careful Change-maker can be vague branding.

  • warm

    campaigner

    Fits when persistent public organizing matters

    Careful Campaigners may oppose reform.

  • professional

    advocate

    Fits when public support for a cause is central

    Careful An advocate may not design reforms.

  • professional

    innovator

    Fits when new methods drive improvement

    Careful Innovation need not correct abuses.

  • formal

    modernizer

    Fits when outdated structures are being updated

    Careful Modernizing can preserve injustice.

  • literary

    progressive

    Fits when forward social change defines the person

    Careful Progressive carries political associations.

Opposites 3

  • reactionary
  • obstructionist
  • defender of abuses

Common phrases 3

  • social reformer

    The social reformer organized free neighborhood schools.

  • leading reformer

    A leading reformer drafted the transparency code.

  • patient reformer

    The patient reformer built agreement across parties.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated