swing state
noun
plural swing states
US politics
: a U.S. state in which Republican and Democratic candidates have similar levels of support and which is considered to play a key role in the outcome of presidential elections
The politics of immigration in Florida, a key swing state, are not as clear as they are in California.—
Tom Masland et al.
Tom Masland et al.If he is so polarizing, how was he elected five times in a swing state?—Nancy Gibbs et al.
Nancy Gibbs et al.Examples of swing state in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Slotkin is one of many prominent Democrats eyeing a potential 2028 run that have been visiting swing states and those that have traditionally been important in the nominating process.
—CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
This year’s Supreme Court election stands in stark contrast to the swing state’s previous two, where national spending records were set in battles over majority control.
—ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
Once considered a swing state, Virginia is known for more moderate Democratic politics.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
By convening a focus group of seven swing state voters, all mothers between 27 and 48 years old, the Democratic firm Navigator Research found angst about the country’s direction and little faith in either party’s ability to fix its problems.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 26 Mar. 2026
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CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
This year’s Supreme Court election stands in stark contrast to the swing state’s previous two, where national spending records were set in battles over majority control.
—ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
Once considered a swing state, Virginia is known for more moderate Democratic politics.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
By convening a focus group of seven swing state voters, all mothers between 27 and 48 years old, the Democratic firm Navigator Research found angst about the country’s direction and little faith in either party’s ability to fix its problems.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for swing state
Cite this Entry
“Swing state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swing%20state. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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