third force

noun

1. a political faction or party, etc., occupying an intermediate position between two others representing opposite extremes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of third force¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

For many analysts, that third force is Pakistan’s military which has long been closely tied to the country’s politics.

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It wants to be the third force in Palestinian politics, an alternative to the Islamist extremists in Hamas and to Fatah, the faction led by President Mahmoud Abbas, which it regards as corrupt and incompetent.

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Known for his social media savvy and a penchant for courting controversy, Ko has bolstered his brand as a “third force” in Taiwanese politics, a viable alternative to the island’s two historically dominant parties and their opposing stances on China.

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South Yorkshire Police is the third force to apologise after a UK-wide campaign led by Peter Tatchell.

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The titular quiet American believes there must be a “third force” that would lead the country to democracy.

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Related Words

• mediator