third force
noun
: a grouping (as of political parties or international powers) intermediate between two opposing political forces
Examples of third force in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Of course, the AKPs founders, including the current prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, originally arose from a third force in Turkish politics -- Islamism.
—
Mustafa Akyol, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2010
While the frontrunners represent different sides of the country’s political establishment, a third force has emerged as a challenger in the election.
—Julia Malleck, Quartz, 11 May 2023
Obi, 61, has gained in popularity and is seen as the third force candidate that could emerge as leader.
—Stephanie Busari, CNN, 26 Feb. 2023
Two, the Alliance Party, which challenges the traditional Protestant-Catholic division that has defined Northern Ireland since its inception, scored its best-ever result and has now established itself as a genuine third force in Northern Irish politics.
—Tom McTague, The Atlantic, 6 May 2022
In 2020, 40% of this potential third force voted for Joe Biden, 27% for Donald Trump.
—William A. Galston, WSJ, 1 Nov. 2022
With its mixture of patriotism and populist provocation, Vox has become the third force in the national parliament and might emerge as the kingmaker in Madrid’s May 4 election.
—Fox News, 3 May 2021
Or as a third force balancing between the two poles?
—The Economist, 16 Feb. 2020
Midway through the third quarter, the Bulldogs sacked Plumlee three times on the same drive, the third forcing a fumble.
—chicagotribune.com, 28 Nov. 2019
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mustafa Akyol, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2010
While the frontrunners represent different sides of the country’s political establishment, a third force has emerged as a challenger in the election.
—Julia Malleck, Quartz, 11 May 2023
Obi, 61, has gained in popularity and is seen as the third force candidate that could emerge as leader.
—Stephanie Busari, CNN, 26 Feb. 2023
Two, the Alliance Party, which challenges the traditional Protestant-Catholic division that has defined Northern Ireland since its inception, scored its best-ever result and has now established itself as a genuine third force in Northern Irish politics.
—Tom McTague, The Atlantic, 6 May 2022
In 2020, 40% of this potential third force voted for Joe Biden, 27% for Donald Trump.
—William A. Galston, WSJ, 1 Nov. 2022
With its mixture of patriotism and populist provocation, Vox has become the third force in the national parliament and might emerge as the kingmaker in Madrid’s May 4 election.
—Fox News, 3 May 2021
Or as a third force balancing between the two poles?
—The Economist, 16 Feb. 2020
Midway through the third quarter, the Bulldogs sacked Plumlee three times on the same drive, the third forcing a fumble.
—chicagotribune.com, 28 Nov. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Third force.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/third%20force. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share