: the existing state of affairs
seeks to preserve the status quo
The book became a guide for many restaurateurs fed up with the status quo.—
Ali Francis
Ali FrancisIn much of the world, people are dissatisfied with the status quo and eager to see changes for the better.—The Christian Science Monitor
The Christian Science MonitorExamples of status quo in a Sentence
He is content with the status quo and does not like change.
civic leaders who are afraid to do anything that might change the town's status quo
Recent Examples on the Web
Giddey struggled to adapt to the new status quo in Chicago.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Undocumented immigrants will remain ineligible for free food, maintaining a long-term status quo (eligibility is limited to citizens and legal permanent residents) on that front.
—Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2026
At a time when coastal economies depend on clean beaches and thriving reefs, that status quo for cruise ships no longer makes sense.
—Steve Adelstein, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
As industries evolve and paradigms shift, this has left Houston uniquely positioned to acclimate to these new status quos.
—William Jones, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for status quo
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Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Undocumented immigrants will remain ineligible for free food, maintaining a long-term status quo (eligibility is limited to citizens and legal permanent residents) on that front.
—Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2026
At a time when coastal economies depend on clean beaches and thriving reefs, that status quo for cruise ships no longer makes sense.
—Steve Adelstein, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
As industries evolve and paradigms shift, this has left Houston uniquely positioned to acclimate to these new status quos.
—William Jones, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for status quo
Cite this Entry
“Status quo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/status%20quo. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
status quo
noun
: the existing state of affairs
specifically
: the last actual and uncontested state of affairs that preceded a controversy and that is to be preserved by preliminary injunction compare status quo ante
Etymology
Latin, state in which
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