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: 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
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
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Word History
Etymology
Latin, state in which
First Known Use
1719, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to status quo
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
Nglish: Translation of status quo for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of status quo for Arabic Speakers
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