fence-sitter
2
6.8
- noun
- /ˈfɛnsˌsɪtər/
- Informal
:
neutral
- In the debate, she was labeled a fence-sitter for not taking a clear stance on the controversial issue.
Examples
-
Somewhere between vilifying and canonizing enter the critics, few fence-sitters among them.
Academic text (1994) -
But most law faculties are blends of teaching traditionalists, fence-sitters, and a few innovators.
Blog text (19) -
But he is a very safe fence sitter on too many issues.
Blog text (12) -
In other words, partisans and fence-sitters closer to the other side may well be sitting out the poll.
Blog text (20) -
I wish there were more fence sitters, listening to all opinions and input, and then deciding where they stand.
Blog text (6) -
Don't give in to mediocrity or lower your standards to those fence-sitters or 'lazy' colleagues.
Blog text (24) -
And that's mainly why I post on science blogs as well: in an attempt to reach the fence sitters.
Blog text (9) -
Once the campaign against the cartel acquires real momentum, fence-sitters should be reminded of this basic fact of life.
Academic text (1991) -
I was always told that I had to take a side—that I could not be a fence sitter.
Blog text (6) -
I hold beliefs and convictions from the libertarian-independent end of both continuums and am sometimes called a fence-sitter.
Blog text (4)
Synonyms
2
4.2
A person, country, or group that does not take sides
A person who does not choose a side in a dispute, especially in politics
Antonyms
How Committed
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word fence-sitter comes from the image of someone sitting on a fence, staying between two sides and 'not choosing a side'. So a fence-sitter is a person who refuses to take sides.