buffer state

noun

: a usually neutral state lying between two larger potentially rival powers

Examples of buffer state in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The state government uses it to buffer state finances when oil prices drop below levels that allow Alaska to generate surplus earnings. — Patrick J. Schena, The Conversation, 30 July 2026

For Brussels, that would mean treating Turkey as a true security partner, not just as a buffer state that prevents large numbers of refugees from entering Europe. — Mustafa Kutlay, Foreign Affairs, 15 May 2025

Strategists like Hadrian and Augustus put most of their efforts into lining up buffer states. — Christopher Tayler, Harper's Magazine, 18 Dec. 2023

The country has long existed as a buffer state — spending 700 years as part of Sweden before being retched away by the Russian Empire in 1809. — Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2022

Lukashenko has led the former Soviet republic that Moscow sees as a buffer state to the West since 1994 and strengthened ties with Moscow during mass protests that erupted in 2020 as the West imposed sanctions. — NBC News, 18 Jan. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for buffer state

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

buffer state

noun

: a small neutral state lying between two larger rival powers