swing state
noun
plural swing states
US politics
: a U.S. state in which Republican and Democratic candidates have similar levels of support and which is considered to play a key role in the outcome of presidential elections
The politics of immigration in Florida, a key swing state, are not as clear as they are in California.—
Tom Masland et al.
Tom Masland et al.If he is so polarizing, how was he elected five times in a swing state?—Nancy Gibbs et al.
Nancy Gibbs et al.Examples of swing state in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The increasing demand of conservatism to be in total alignment with Trumpism is why occasional deviation from party loyalty can end up a liability, even in swing state elections, Cooper said.
—Stephen Fowler, NPR, 14 July 2025
The state is incredibly diverse, and local voters can help champion a candidate in other southern states, including potential swing states like Georgia and North Carolina.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 11 July 2025
This swing state power has been used by advocates and state political leaders to drive funding for Great Lakes protection for many years.
—Mike Shriberg, The Conversation, 1 July 2025
Many pollsters credit Trump’s message to labor as key to his victory in swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin—coincidentally, all states with high numbers of hunters and anglers.
—Chris Dorsey, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for swing state
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Stephen Fowler, NPR, 14 July 2025
The state is incredibly diverse, and local voters can help champion a candidate in other southern states, including potential swing states like Georgia and North Carolina.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 11 July 2025
This swing state power has been used by advocates and state political leaders to drive funding for Great Lakes protection for many years.
—Mike Shriberg, The Conversation, 1 July 2025
Many pollsters credit Trump’s message to labor as key to his victory in swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin—coincidentally, all states with high numbers of hunters and anglers.
—Chris Dorsey, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for swing state
Cite this Entry
“Swing state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swing%20state. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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