fence-sitting

noun

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

Synonyms

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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.
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 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

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for fence-sitting

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Browse Nearby Words

fencerow
fence-sitting
fence viewer
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Cite this Entry

“Fence-sitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fence-sitting. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.

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