modus vivendi
noun
mo·dus vi·ven·di
| \ ˌmō-dəs-vi-ˈven-dē
, -ˌdī\
, -ˌdī\
plural modi vivendi\ ˈmō-ˌdē-
, ˈmō-ˌdī- \
, ˈmō-ˌdī- \
Definition of modus vivendi
1
: a feasible arrangement or practical compromise
especially
: one that bypasses difficulties
2
: a manner of living : a way of life
Examples of modus vivendi in a Sentence
The two nations developed a modus vivendi in order to avoid war.
Recent Examples on the Web
Iranian negotiators genuinely interested in a modus vivendi would get a hearing in Washington. — Walter Russell Mead, WSJ, "The Case for Restraint in the Gulf," 17 June 2019 The deal was seen through an economic lens but also through a security lens, setting a modus vivendi between Tehran and Washington. — Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post, "Iran asks Europe what it can offer to keep it in the nuclear deal after U.S. pullout," 25 May 2018 Neither the Russian government nor the population at large is able to establish a modus vivendi with the international community. — WSJ, "Notable & Quotable: Richard Pipes," 17 May 2018 Both countries will benefit if a modus vivendi can be found that opens markets and sets new rules of the road. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "China Trade Showdown," 2 May 2018 Even politicians inclined to be honest, observers say, are often obliged to forge a modus vivendi with the gangs. — Patrick J. Mcdonnell, latimes.com, "Widespread killings of candidates cast shadow over Mexican elections," 10 Apr. 2018 But Trump’s trade policies are threatening his modus vivendi with the GOP. — Jeet Heer, The New Republic, "You’re Either With Trump on Trade, or Against Him," 5 Apr. 2018 Sometimes claims were backed with guns; in a few cases, squatter and owner worked out a modus vivendi of sharing the property. — Nan Randall, The Atlantic, "'Charlottesville': A Government-Commissioned Story About Nuclear War," 25 Jan. 2018 What does alarm me is the fact that, clearly, if the two Koreas somehow managed a peaceful modus vivendi on their own, some people in the United States would devote themselves night and day to screwing that up. — Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, "I Won't Let These Idiots Ruin the Olympics for Me," 12 Feb. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'modus vivendi.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for modus vivendi
modus vivendi
noun
English Language Learners Definition of modus vivendi
formal
: an arrangement that helps people, groups, or countries work together peacefully even though they do not agree with each other
See the full definition for modus vivendi in the English Language Learners Dictionary