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state of affairs

NOUN
ball of wax
Synonyms
WEAK
everything but the kitchen sink full monty nine yards shebang show the whole shebang whole works works
NOUN
condition
Synonyms
STRONGEST
action case plight position quality situation status
STRONG
ballgame estate happening mode order posture predicament rank repair reputation riff scene shape sphere spot standing state trim
WEAK
how it goes how things are how things stack up lay of the land like it is size of it status quo way things are way things shape up where it's at
NOUN
situation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
case condition place plight position scene
STRONG
ballgame bargain capacity character footing mode picture posture rank sphere stage standing standpoint state station
WEAK
how things stack up like it is size of it status quo
Antonyms
STRONGEST
unemployment
NOUN
state
Synonyms
STRONGEST
case
STRONG
accompaniment attitude capacity category chances character circumstance circumstances contingency element environment essential estate event eventuality fix footing form humor imperative juncture limitation mood nature occasion occurrence outlook pass phase plight position posture predicament prerequisite proviso reputation requirement shape situation spirits stand standing station status stipulation time welfare
WEAK
frame of mind
NOUN
status quo
Synonyms
STRONGEST
status
WEAK
circumstances existing condition existing conditions how things stand no change parameters present state of affairs situation size of it standing state status in quo usual

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There are many places to point fingers when reckoning with our new, irrational state of affairs.

From Slate • Apr. 26, 2026

My fellow Americans, certain words have been rendered meaningless in describing the current state of affairs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

I predicted this miserable state of affairs back in 2017, after interviewing psychology experts on cognitive dissonance.

From Salon • Jan. 19, 2026

This is a highly unusual state of affairs in the world of academia, but Prof Crettiez's work is far from standard.

From BBC • Jan. 4, 2026

When he came in he could give me an idea of the state of affairs, and perhaps tell me what had actually happened to Clifton.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

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