fence-sitting

noun

fence-sit·​ting ˈfen(t)s-ˌsi-tiŋ 

: a state of indecision or neutrality with respect to conflicting positions

fence-sitter

ˈfen(t)s-ˌsi-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• faltering
• hesitance
• hesitancy
• hesitation
• indecision
• irresolution
• pause
• shilly-shally
• shilly-shallying
• vacillation
• wavering
• wobbling
• wabbling

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

There’s merit in seeing both sides of an argument, but there’s no honor in fence-sitting forever, which is Alex’s fatal flaw. —Anusha Praturu, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fence-sitting

• babysitting
• counterfeiting
• retrofitting
• unremitting
• acquitting
• admitting
• befitting
• committing
• emitting
• omitting
• outfitting
• outwitting