middle-of-the-road

1 of 2

adjective

mid·​dle-of-the-road ˈmi-dᵊl-əv-ṯẖə-ˈrōd How to pronounce middle-of-the-road (audio)
: standing for or following a course of action midway between extremes
especially : being neither liberal nor conservative in politics
middle-of-the-roader noun
middle-of-the-roadism noun

middle of the road

2 of 2

noun phrase

: a course of action or a standpoint midway between extremes

Examples of middle-of-the-road in a Sentence

Adjective a candidate with middle-of-the-road views on most hot-button issues
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Ideal for the sleeper who likes a middle-of-the-road firmness, this option features zoned support and a breathable cover (meaning heat won’t easily get trapped). Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025 Shortly after retiring from the NFL in 2019, Sanchez spent two seasons with ESPN before making the move to Fox in July 2021 where has been a color analyst for middle-of-the-road afternoon games. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun phrase
Vasquez’s body was left laying in the middle of the road at Clay Street and East 21st Avenue after Rocha quickly drove away, according to the footage. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025 Their secondary is middle of the road, but full of first- and second-year players. J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for middle-of-the-road

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined above

Noun Phrase

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of middle-of-the-road was in 1891

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Middle-of-the-road.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/middle-of-the-road. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

middle-of-the-road

adjective
mid·​dle-of-the-road
ˌmid-ᵊl-əv-t͟hə-ˈrōd
: standing for or following a course of action midway between extremes
especially : being neither liberal nor conservative in politics
middle-of-the-roader
-ˈrōd-ər
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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