noun
-
the state or character of being neutral, esp in a dispute, contest, etc
-
the condition of being chemically or electrically neutral
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of neutrality
late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at neutral, -ity
Explanation
If you refuse to take sides in an argument over whether Batman or Superman is the greatest superhero, then you are practicing neutrality. Whether you admire both equally or you simply don’t care, you are a neutral party. Neutrality can be used broadly to describe individuals or organizations in relationship to any kind of dispute, but it most often refers to countries that don’t engage in war. For example, Sweden has a long and famous tradition of neutrality, as it has not gone to war since 1814. Referees for sporting events are also supposed to work from a position of neutrality — that is, they should never favor one team over another.
Vocabulary lists containing neutrality
American History II
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Western Europe - Introductory
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "N"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Under pressure from powerful critics, elite universities have begun to make changes such as adopting statements of institutional neutrality, capping grade inflation, promising to protect open inquiry and establishing civics centers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026
This tipped the scales to suggest an answer while manufacturing an appearance of neutrality.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said during a recent televised debate that "neutrality has always been applied with a degree of flexibility".
From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2026
All sides in the debate argue that they want to maintain Switzerland's neutrality.
From Barron's ● Sep. 27, 2026
A moderately handsome black-haired young man stared at her, though, and she willed her face into neutrality while his gray eyes took her in.
From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
