What does "bandwagoning" mean?
The practice of joining the prevailing side.
Bandwagoning
/ˈbændˌwæɡənɪŋ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The practice of joining the prevailing side.
- Grammar: bandwagoning is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: adopt, align, bandwagon effect, embrace.
- Usage evidence: But large, powerful states that refuse to submit to China have little interest in bandwagoning. For them, it is a question of balancing: Dealing with America’s potential absence by building up alternative paths of resistance to China—stronger alliances with others threatened by China’s rise, or upgrading domestic defense capabilities to resist China, absent U.S. assistance.
How to use "bandwagoning"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "bandwagoning" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "bandwagoning" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "bandwagoning" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "bandwagoning" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "bandwagoning" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adopt" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The practice of joining the prevailing side. uncountable
"But large, powerful states that refuse to submit to China have little interest in bandwagoning. For them, it is a question of balancing: Dealing with America’s potential absence by building up alternative paths of resistance to China—stronger alliances with others threatened by China’s rise, or upgrading domestic defense capabilities to resist China, absent U.S. assistance."
Verb
- 1 present participle and gerund of bandwagon form-of, gerund, participle, present
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"But large, powerful states that refuse to submit to China have little interest in bandwagoning. For them, it is a question of balancing: Dealing with America’s potential absence by building up alternative paths of resistance to China—stronger alliances with others threatened by China’s rise, or upgrading domestic defense capabilities to resist China, absent U.S. assistance."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "bandwagoning"?
Common synonyms include: adopt, align, bandwagon effect, embrace, join, marching wagon.
How do you use "bandwagoning" in a sentence?
But large, powerful states that refuse to submit to China have little interest in bandwagoning. For them, it is a question of balancing: Dealing with America’s potential absence by building up alternative paths of resistance to China—stronger alliances with others threatened by China’s rise, or upgrading domestic defense capabilities to resist China, absent U.S. assistance.
How do you pronounce "bandwagoning"?
Pronounced /ˈbændˌwæɡənɪŋ/.
Etymology
From bandwagon + -ing.