Synonyms for on fence


Grammar : Adj
Spell : fens
Phonetic Transcription : fɛns

Top 10 synonyms for on fence Other synonyms for the word on fence

Définition of on fence

Origin :
  • early 14c., "action of defending," shortening of defens (see defense). Spelling alternated between -c- and -s- in Middle English. Sense of "enclosure" is first recorded mid-15c. on notion of "that which serves as a defense." Sense of "dealer in stolen goods" is thieves' slang, first attested c.1700, from notion of such transactions taking place under defense of secrecy. To be figuratively on the fence "uncommitted" is from 1828, perhaps from the notion of spectators at a fight, or a simple literal image: "A man sitting on the top of a fence, can jump down on either side with equal facility." [Bartlett, "Dictionary of Americanisms," 1848].
  • As in indecisive : adj uncertain, indefinite
  • As in middle-of-the-road : adj moderate
  • As in neutral : adj impartial, noncommittal
  • As in on the fence : adj undecided
  • As in unbiased : adj not prejudiced
  • As in uncommitted : adj free; not involved
  • As in undecided : adj not sure, not definite
  • As in weak-minded : adj indecisive
  • As in nonaligned : adj neutral
  • As in uninvolved : adj neutral

Antonyms for on fence

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019