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 right can’t stop talking about his sharp criticisms of MAGA leadership, disdain for US foreign policy, and his pro-Palestinian stance. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Trump hasn't specifically weighed in on Flock cameras, but with the growing backlash, he's come out and said that his stance is under review. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 As more information came in, The Athletic, which is owned by The New York Times, adjusted its stance. — Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 The vehicle certainly looks right with a low stance and wide track. — Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 3 Sep. 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 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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