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
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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.
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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
According to the most recent figures, Florida’s voter registrations are about 41% Republican and a little over 30% Democratic, with under 29% of voters registered to minor parties or with no party affiliation at all.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
The American Independence Party of George Wallace did a little better in 1968, carrying five states and 46 electoral votes before disbanding nationally, even though a California affiliate remains as a minor party.
—Thomas Elias, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
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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
According to the most recent figures, Florida’s voter registrations are about 41% Republican and a little over 30% Democratic, with under 29% of voters registered to minor parties or with no party affiliation at all.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
The American Independence Party of George Wallace did a little better in 1968, carrying five states and 46 electoral votes before disbanding nationally, even though a California affiliate remains as a minor party.
—Thomas Elias, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for minor party
Cite this Entry
“Minor party.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minor%20party. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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