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 true test of a changing political tide around data centers on a national level will be whether candidates like Garrity change their stances around data centers, according to Green. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026 Quarterback Jim McMahon wore a headband and adopted a rebel stance while Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton led a powerful attack. — Ira Kaufman, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026 To accommodate the taller stance and heavier rolling resistance of the knobby tires, engineers recalibrated the steering, anti-lock braking system and Dynamic Stability Control. — New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2026 Mamdani has long defended his stance, saying criticism of Israel is distinct from antisemitism. — Senior Editor, CBS News, 8 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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
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