middle ground

noun

1

: a standpoint or area midway between extreme or opposing positions, options, or objectives

The judge chose a middle ground between harshness and leniency.

2

: middle distance sense 1

Synonyms of middle ground

• middle

Examples of middle ground in a Sentence

The judge of the case chose a middle ground between harshness and leniency.

Both sides in this debate need to do more to establish some middle ground.

Recent Examples on the Web

This middle ground provides meaningful exposure to silver's industrial demand drivers while maintaining diversification across other asset classes. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026

Falling somewhere in that awkward middle ground made the show feel super personal and relatable. —Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 30 Dec. 2025

While not quite as advanced as some of its running shoes such as the Metaspeed and Megablast, the Gel-Nimbus 28 will offer a reliable middle ground for between-race runs. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 30 Dec. 2025

Altermagnets promise a middle ground. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for middle ground

• aboveground
• battleground
• belowground
• paperbound
• turnaround
• ultrasound
• underground
• wraparound
• abound
• aground
• around
• astound

Kids Definition

middle ground

noun

: a position midway between extreme or opposing points of view, choices, or objectives