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

However, occupying such a middle ground does not come without risks. —Alexander Smith, NBC news, 3 Dec. 2025

The wordplay is as colorful as the sonics are sedate, tag-team player parables sailing over production seeking a slippery middle ground between East and West Coast throwback jams. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025

The firm occupies the middle ground of the IVF tech market—pushing the boundaries of science, but mainly to prevent disease. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2025

Leaving your pet at someone else’s home is a middle ground between kennels and home care, but still more affordable than at home pet sitting. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 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