stance

noun \ ˈstan(t)s \

Updated on: 20 May 2018

Definition of stance

1 chiefly Scotland

a : station

b : site

2 a : a way of standing or being placed : posture

b : intellectual or emotional attitude

took an antiwar stance

3 a : the position of the feet of a golfer or batter preparatory to making a swing

b : the position of both body and feet from which an athlete starts or operates

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Recent Examples of stance from the Web

Washington Democrats worry Eastman's policy stances will jeopardize the party's chances of flipping the Oamaha-area seat, which leans slightly Republican.

— NBC News, "Meet the progressive whose surprise win just spoiled establishment Democrats' plans," 16 May 2018
Alderman Matt Rosek, who also opposed the measure the first time around, continued that stance May 15.

— evan frank, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "'It's about public safety': Oconomowoc will require pit bulls to be muzzled after all," 16 May 2018
In the episode, which airs May 20, Nikki continues to struggle with her desire to be a mom, despite Cena’s clear stance against having children.

— jodi guglielmi, PEOPLE.com, "Nikki Bella Felt 'Off' After Getting Engaged to John Cena: 'I Just Know Deep Down I Want a Baby'," 14 May 2018
The 2018 Accord is built on new architecture, with a lower, wider stance, lighter and more-rigid body structure; a lighter and more-sophisticated chassis; and Honda’s first turbocharged engines.

— g. chambers williams iii, star-telegram, "All-new Honda Accord debuts for 2018 with its first-ever turbocharged engines | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 12 May 2018
In this and other Republican primaries, the candidates have clearly concluded that Trump boosterism is their base voters’ overriding priority, more than any particular credential or policy stance.

— molly ball, Time, "Are American Voters Acting Normal Again?," 9 May 2018
That stance would immediately intensify the fight around work requirements, the most controversial element of the farm bill, and start a new debate over spending on federal safety-net programs ahead of November’s midterm elections.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump Demands More Stringent Work Requirements for Food Stamps Recipients," 9 May 2018
But Republicans seeking primary votes from staunch conservatives in the May 22 race say their voters are demanding strong pro-gun stances.

— greg bluestein, ajc, "Why Georgia Republicans are shifting to the right on guns," 9 May 2018
Those include some moderate stances, such as on gun rights.

— chrissie thompson, Cincinnati.com, "Ohio governor's race: Will we see Barack Obama, Donald Trump?," 9 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of stance

Middle English stance, staunce, from Middle French estance position, posture, stay, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin *stantia, from Latin stant-, stans, present participle of stare to stand

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year