modus vivendi
noun
mo·dus vi·ven·di
ˌmō-dəs-vi-ˈven-dē 
-ˌdī
plural modi vivendi
ˈmō-ˌdē-
ˈmō-ˌdī-
1
: a feasible arrangement or practical compromise
especially
: one that bypasses difficulties
2
: a manner of living : a way of life
Examples of modus vivendi in a Sentence
The two nations developed a modus vivendi in order to avoid war.
Recent Examples on the Web
From Herzl onward, many of them hoped for a peaceful modus vivendi with the Arab population; a dwindling number of liberals still dream of a two-state solution.
—
Ian Buruma,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
On the contrary, to get to a modus vivendi the United States will need to improve deterrence, which will involve more than just issuing threats and bolstering military capabilities.
—
Jessica Chen Weiss,
Foreign Affairs,
16 Sep. 2024
In the course of the nineteen-eighties—a modus vivendi with China having been reached, and Deng Xiaoping opening the country for business—getting tough on Communism receded as a priority for Washington.
—
Ian Buruma,
The New Yorker,
24 June 2024
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Ian Buruma,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
On the contrary, to get to a modus vivendi the United States will need to improve deterrence, which will involve more than just issuing threats and bolstering military capabilities.
—
Jessica Chen Weiss,
Foreign Affairs,
16 Sep. 2024
In the course of the nineteen-eighties—a modus vivendi with China having been reached, and Deng Xiaoping opening the country for business—getting tough on Communism receded as a priority for Washington.
—
Ian Buruma,
The New Yorker,
24 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for modus vivendi
Cite this Entry
“Modus vivendi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modus%20vivendi. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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