status quo

noun

: the existing state of affairs
seeks to preserve the status quo

Examples 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
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.
The state's top prosecutor is the front line in the blue-state resistance, joining efforts from the governor and state lawmakers to protect the state's status quo from power-holding Republicans in the nation's capital. John Frank, Axios, 28 Jan. 2025 Some business groups — like the Colorado and Denver metro chambers of commerce — have pointed to their opposition to past anti-union ballot measures as evidence of their commitment to the Labor Peace Act’s status quo. Judith Kohler, The Denver Post, 26 Jan. 2025 But several weeks later, McLaurin has maintained status quo. Sam Fortier The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 23 Jan. 2025 Voters have given Trump and his allies an opportunity to disrupt Washington’s status quo. Jack Butler, National Review, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for status quo 

Word History

Etymology

Latin, state in which

First Known Use

1719, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of status quo was in 1719

Dictionary Entries Near status quo

Cite this Entry

“Status quo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/status%20quo. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

status quo

noun
sta·​tus quo
ˌstāt-ə-ˈskwō,
ˌstat-
: the way things are now
chose to keep the status quo rather than make changes

Legal 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

More from Merriam-Webster on status quo

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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