: the existing state of affairs
seeks to preserve the status quo
Examples of status quo in a Sentence
He is content with the status quo and does not like change.
civic leaders who are afraid to do anything that might change the town's status quo
Recent Examples on the Web
Sotheby’s decision to challenge the horological status quo has paid off.
—
Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Apr. 2024
Prepared Food Photos challenges this status quo, Branding Expertise.
—Jon Stojan, Detroit Free Press, 12 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for status quo 
Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Apr. 2024
Prepared Food Photos challenges this status quo, Branding Expertise.
—Jon Stojan, Detroit Free Press, 12 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for status quo
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'status quo.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Status quo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/status%20quo. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
status quo
noun
: the existing state of affairs
specifically
: the last actual and uncontested state of affairs that preceded a controversy and that is to be preserved by preliminary injunction compare status quo ante
Etymology
Latin, state in which
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