third force

noun

: a grouping (as of political parties or international powers) intermediate between two opposing political forces

Examples of third force in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Of course, the AKPs founders, including the current prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, originally arose from a third force in Turkish politics -- Islamism. Mustafa Akyol, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2010 While the frontrunners represent different sides of the country’s political establishment, a third force has emerged as a challenger in the election. Julia Malleck, Quartz, 11 May 2023 Obi, 61, has gained in popularity and is seen as the third force candidate that could emerge as leader. Stephanie Busari, CNN, 26 Feb. 2023 Two, the Alliance Party, which challenges the traditional Protestant-Catholic division that has defined Northern Ireland since its inception, scored its best-ever result and has now established itself as a genuine third force in Northern Irish politics. Tom McTague, The Atlantic, 6 May 2022 In 2020, 40% of this potential third force voted for Joe Biden, 27% for Donald Trump. William A. Galston, WSJ, 1 Nov. 2022 With its mixture of patriotism and populist provocation, Vox has become the third force in the national parliament and might emerge as the kingmaker in Madrid’s May 4 election. Fox News, 3 May 2021 Or as a third force balancing between the two poles? The Economist, 16 Feb. 2020 Midway through the third quarter, the Bulldogs sacked Plumlee three times on the same drive, the third forcing a fumble. chicagotribune.com, 28 Nov. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'third force.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of third force was in 1936

Dictionary Entries Near third force

Cite this Entry

“Third force.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/third%20force. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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