minor party

noun

: a political party whose electoral strength is so small as to prevent its gaining control of a government except in rare and exceptional circumstances

Examples of minor party in a Sentence

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.
Jenkins joins three other Democratic candidates who have already filed in the race, which has also drawn five GOP challengers and four minor party candidates and independents. Steven Lemongello, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026 Some fears exist among the British right that Reform’s success could still be squashed by an alliance of Labour, the Green Party, the Lib Dems, and a confederation of minor parties if a pact is not struck with the Conservatives, assuring a unified right-wing bloc. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 26 Jan. 2026 Enforcing the rule also would be a major headache for TV stations as all legally qualified candidates on minor party tickets could ask for airtime. Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026 Indiana code stipulates that candidates for U.S. Representatives don’t need to collect signatures unless a candidate wants to file as a minor party or as an independent. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for minor party

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of minor party was in 1949

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Cite this Entry

“Minor party.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minor%20party. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

minor party

noun
: a political party whose electoral strength is so small as to prevent its gaining control of a government except in rare and exceptional circumstances
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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