Fence-sitting — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈfen(t)s-ˌsi-tiŋ/ fence-sit·ting

Meaning & Definition of Fence-sitting

Fence-sitting (noun)

  1. a state of indecision or neutrality with respect to conflicting positions

Fence-sitting (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action

    "in Congress there was a lot of fence-sitting, with many representatives waiting to see which way the political wind was blowing"

    similar: faltering, hesitance, hesitancy, hesitation, indecision, irresolution, pause, shilly-shally, shilly-shallying, vacillation, wavering, wobbling
    related: delay, hawing, procrastination, waiting, arrière-pensée, misgiving, second thought, consideration, debate, deliberation, doubt, incertitude, indecisiveness, indetermination, uncertainness, uncertainty, avoidance, equivocation, aversion, disinclination, indisposition, reluctance, unwillingness, faintheartedness, shyness, timidity, timidness
    near: certainty, certitude, confidence, decisiveness, determination, firmness, resoluteness, resolution, sureness, alacrity, eagerness, readiness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Fence-sitting

The most common words with a similar meaning to Fence-sitting:

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

Related Words for Fence-sitting

delay, hawing, procrastination, waiting, arrière-pensée, misgiving, second thought, consideration, debate, deliberation, doubt, incertitude, indecisiveness, indetermination, uncertainness, uncertainty, avoidance, equivocation, aversion, disinclination, indisposition, reluctance, unwillingness, faintheartedness, shyness, timidity, timidness

Near Antonyms of Fence-sitting

certainty, certitude, confidence, decisiveness, determination, firmness, resoluteness, resolution, sureness, alacrity, eagerness, readiness

Word Forms of Fence-sitting

Derived words: fence-sitter (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Fence-sitting

First known use: 1904

Frequently Asked Questions about Fence-sitting

What does "Fence-sitting" mean?

"Fence-sitting" means a state of indecision or neutrality with respect to conflicting positions. As a noun, it is defined as: a state of indecision or neutrality with respect to conflicting positions.

What is another word for "Fence-sitting"?

Other words for "Fence-sitting" include faltering, hesitance, hesitancy, hesitation, indecision, irresolution, pause and shilly-shally. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Fence-sitting" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Fence-sitting"?

There are 39 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Fence-sitting". Common alternatives include faltering, hesitance, hesitancy, hesitation, indecision, irresolution, pause, shilly-shally, shilly-shallying and vacillation.

How do you use "Fence-sitting" in a sentence?

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".

Is "Fence-sitting" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Fence-sitting" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Fence-sitting"?

"Fence-sitting" is pronounced /ˈfen(t)s-ˌsi-tiŋ/ and divided into syllables as fence-sit·ting.

What is the origin of the word "Fence-sitting"?

First known use: 1904.

What is another word for "Fence-sitting" meaning "a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action"?

When "Fence-sitting" (noun) means a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action, synonyms include faltering, hesitance, hesitancy, hesitation, indecision and irresolution.