neutrality

noun

neu·​tral·​i·​ty nü-ˈtra-lə-tē How to pronounce neutrality (audio)
nyü-
: the quality or state of being neutral
especially : refusal to take part in a war between other powers
The country adopted an official policy of neutrality.

Examples of neutrality in a Sentence

The country adopted an official policy of neutrality. The newspaper is known for its political neutrality.
Recent Examples on the Web Board Vice Chair Danielle Moore Most noteworthy in my mind are the proactive policies committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting carbon neutrality. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2024 Just as the point of state neutrality is personal non-neutrality, the point of political egalitarianism is interpersonal disproportion. Elizabeth Barber, Harper's Magazine, 8 Feb. 2024 Those inefficiencies mean lost dollars and, perhaps more importantly in the rush toward carbon neutrality, lost time. Matt Simon, WIRED, 3 Feb. 2024 Sweden on Thursday formally joined NATO as the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality and centuries of broader non-alignment with major powers as security concerns in Europe have spiked following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Matthew Lee, Fortune Europe, 7 Mar. 2024 Malaysia, like many of its peers in Southeast Asia, often claims neutrality in the superpower rivalry between the U.S. and China. Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 26 Feb. 2024 The British royal family has long taken a stance of political neutrality and does not generally comment on sensitive issues. Max Foster, CNN, 26 Feb. 2024 Key Background Sweden had not sought to join NATO for years—despite having a working relationship with the alliance since the Cold War—due to its stance of neutrality, but after Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022 the country’s tone shifted. Molly Bohannon, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 The president’s office has not responded to questions about the neutrality complaints. Kate Lamb, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neutrality.' 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

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neutrality was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near neutrality

Cite this Entry

“Neutrality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutrality. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

neutrality

noun
neu·​tral·​i·​ty n(y)ü-ˈtral-ət-ē How to pronounce neutrality (audio)
: the quality or state of being neutral especially in time of war

More from Merriam-Webster on neutrality

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