stance

noun

ˈstan(t)s How to pronounce stance (audio)
Synonyms of stance
1
chiefly Scotland
a
: station
b
: site
2
a
: a way of standing or being placed : posture
b
: intellectual or emotional attitude
took an antiwar stance
3
a
: the position of the feet of a golfer or batter preparatory to making a swing
b
: the position of both body and feet from which an athlete starts or operates

Synonyms of stance

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Examples of stance in a Sentence

a slightly aggressive stance
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 9th Circuit’s ruling came the same day a panel on the 7th Circuit also handed down a 2-1 ruling that found the INA does not support the administration’s stance. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2026 Nonetheless, without some fundamental change in economic data, the FOMC may be set to move to a more hawkish policy stance if bond markets and other factors are any guide. — Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026 The night began with a rally outside Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle to celebrate Cunningham's recent public stance. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 The first test of the stance arrives in October, when the Women’s World Cup play-offs are scheduled. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English stance, staunce, from Middle French estance position, posture, stay, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin *stantia, from Latin stant-, stans, present participle of stare to stand

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of stance was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing stance

Rhymes for stance

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Browse Nearby Words

stan
stance
stanch
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Cite this Entry

“Stance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stance. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stance

noun
ˈstan(t)s How to pronounce stance (audio)
1
: a way of standing or being placed : posture
a soldier with an erect stance
2
: a way of thinking or feeling
took an opposing stance on the issue

More from Merriam-Webster on stance

Nglish: Translation of stance for Spanish Speakers

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