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TAKE THE QUIZthird force
noun
: a grouping (as of political parties or international powers) intermediate between two opposing political forces
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
—Aritz Parra, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 May 2021
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
The third forced in a run home, giving the Yankees a 1-0 lead.
—Benjamin Hoffman, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2019
But his desperation heave was rushed by Gardner-Johnson’s blitz and Williams snagged New Orleans’ third forced turnover of the game.
—Brett Martel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2019
The party’s only national rival, Congress, which came in second place, immediately locked arms with the third force, a regional outfit called the Janata Dal-Secular (JDS).
—The Economist, 19 May 2018
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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.
—Aritz Parra, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 May 2021
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
The third forced in a run home, giving the Yankees a 1-0 lead.
—Benjamin Hoffman, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2019
But his desperation heave was rushed by Gardner-Johnson’s blitz and Williams snagged New Orleans’ third forced turnover of the game.
—Brett Martel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2019
The party’s only national rival, Congress, which came in second place, immediately locked arms with the third force, a regional outfit called the Janata Dal-Secular (JDS).
—The Economist, 19 May 2018
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'third force.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1936, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near third force
Cite this Entry
“Third force.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/third%20force. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.
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