fence-sitter
Neither side's supporter
A fence-sitter is someone who refuses to commit to either side of an issue or controversy, remaining neutral or undecided: The senator was criticized as a fence-sitter on the immigration bill.
The image is of someone perched on the fence between two properties, belonging to neither.
The term usually carries a negative connotation, suggesting evasiveness or lack of conviction rather than thoughtful deliberation.
Unable to make choices
- waveringShowing unsteady resolve
- vacillatingSwaying between choices
- ditheringProlonged indecisive hesitation
- irresoluteLacking firmness of purpose
uncertain · unsure · ambivalent · torn · hesitant · wishy-washy · shilly-shally · flip-flopping
Without feeling or concern
- indifferentLacking interest or concern
- uninvolvedNot taking part
- detachedApart or uninvolved
- aloofEmotionally withdrawn, uninviting
unconcerned · passive · disinterested · unengaged · bystander · spectator · observer · sideliner
Showing no preference
- nonpartisanNot aligned politically
- unbiasedFree from prejudice
- centristOne favoring middle positions
- moderateLessen intensity or preside
independent · evenhanded · fair-minded · objective · nonaligned · unaffiliated · middle-of-the-road · dispassionate
indecisive
Unable to make choices
- waveringShowing unsteady resolve
- vacillatingSwaying between choices
- ditheringProlonged indecisive hesitation
irresolute · uncertain · unsure · ambivalent · torn · hesitant · wishy-washy · shilly-shally · flip-flopping · uncommitted
apathetic
Without feeling or concern
- indifferentLacking interest or concern
- uninvolvedNot taking part
- detachedApart or uninvolved
aloof · unconcerned · passive · disinterested · unengaged · bystander · spectator · observer · sideliner · abstainer
impartial
Showing no preference
- nonpartisanNot aligned politically
- unbiasedFree from prejudice
- centristOne favoring middle positions
moderate · independent · evenhanded · fair-minded · objective · nonaligned · unaffiliated · middle-of-the-road · dispassionate · balanced
- Noncommittalneutral, undecided, noncommittal, indifferent, uncommitted
- hesitant typeshesitator, waverer, ditherer, second guesser, dawdler
- Wishy-washy peoplewaffler, waverer, vacillator, ditherer, flip-flopper
- fairnessfair play, fair shake, fair treatment, fair and square, fair share
- followersfollowers, conformist, disciples, devotees, adherents
- fansfan, sports fan, superfan, superfans, die-hard fan
fence-sitterpartisan
Biased toward one side
true believer · zealot · die-hard · loyalist · hardliner
fence-sitteractivist
Vigorous cause champion
partisan · militant · party loyalist · firebrand · card-carrying member
fence-sitterdecision-maker
One with choosing power
go-getter · doer · mover and shaker · risk-taker · bold
fence, defend, sitting, defender, seated, sitter, fenced, defenseless, fencing