radicals

/ˈrædɪkəlz/

NOUN

1. People advocating radical social or political change

A person with radical opinions, especially one who advocates fundamental changes in social or political institutions.

1.1. Political and social reformers

People who support significant changes to existing political or social systems, including progressive reform and revolutionary movements.

Synonyms

progressives
reformers
reformists
revolutionaries
revolutionists
leftists
lefties
reds

Antonyms

conservatives
moderates
reactionaries
rightists
traditionalists
Tories
standpatters

Examples

The political debate intensified as radicals clashed with moderates over policy.
The history class explored the influence of ideological radicals on social movements.

Related Words

1.2. Extremists and revolutionary agitators

People who promote extreme political positions, rebellion, or opposition to established authority, sometimes through disruptive or revolutionary action.

Synonyms

agitators
anarchists
anarchs
extremists
insurgents
insurrectionists
rebels
secessionists
separationists
separatists
subversives
crazies

Antonyms

fuddy-duddies
middle-of-the-roaders
moderates
conservatives

Examples

Some argue that certain online forums serve as breeding grounds for extremist radicals.
Critics warned about the potential dangers of embracing religious radicals within the community.

Related Words

objectors
agents provocateurs
demagogues
demonstrators
firebrands
incendiaries
inciters
instigators
protesters
rabble-rousers
troublemakers

NOUN

2. Historical members of political movements

A member of a historical political movement, including a progressive wing of the British Liberal Party or a French political party advocating moderate social reform, republican government, and secular politics.

2.1. Historical British political reformers

Members of the most progressive wing of the 19th-century British Liberal Party who supported social reform, generally stopping short of socialism.

Synonyms

reformers
reformists
progressives