fence-sitting

noun

fence-sit·​ting ˈfen(t)s-ˌsi-tiŋ How to pronounce fence-sitting (audio)
: a state of indecision or neutrality with respect to conflicting positions
fence-sitter noun

Examples of fence-sitting in a Sentence

in Congress there was a lot of fence-sitting, with many representatives waiting to see which way the political wind was blowing
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The outcome of this exceptionally tight presidential race may turn on whether Harris, in these final days of the campaign, can convince enough fence-sitting voters to embrace that message. David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024 After the meeting, three delegates who had been fence-sitting for months sought me out for the secret handshake. Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 17 Sep. 2024 The endorsement is just one part of Harris' strategy to win over fence-sitting Republican voters. Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2024 With the world watching, President Biden delivered a press conference performance strong enough to buy time from fence-sitting Democrats — but wobbly enough to keep the mutiny armed and dangerous. Zachary Basu, Axios, 12 July 2024 In an impassioned speech – sketched out on little notecards, no less – Rhys had managed to sway enough of the fence-sitting members, and the bylaws had been amended. Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 12 June 2024 Given the close nature of the race, these fence-sitting voters could play a crucial role in determining who will become the next president. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024 That question must haunt the pair — director-writer John Ridley and his star Regina King — who collaborated on this sometimes touching but fence-sitting portrayal of Chisholm. Armond White, National Review, 27 Mar. 2024 Washington also needs to strengthen the incentives for fence-sitting countries to work with the United States by offering better access to the American market. Ryan Hass, Foreign Affairs, 24 Oct. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fence-sitting was in 1904

Dictionary Entries Near fence-sitting

Cite this Entry

“Fence-sitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fence-sitting. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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