golden mean

Definition of golden meannext
as in middle
a middle point between extremes when it comes to money, the golden mean is saving some income, while giving yourself a modest spending allowance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of golden mean What was once perceived as a temporary fix may, however, prove to be the golden mean. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 21 June 2025 In this world, the golden mean does not exist and equipoise is a pipe dream. — Kent Sepkowitz, CNN, 5 Nov. 2022 The result of this mechanical wizardry is the golden mean of a modern luxury conveyance. — Tribune News Service, cleveland, 11 Dec. 2021 The trajectory's holding steady, not trending to the golden mean of 2%. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2021 Sullivan notes, for instance, Mayan astrologers’ discovery of the golden mean. — Alyssa Mora, Variety, 22 Oct. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for golden mean
Noun
  • With the Seminoles staring at the end zone from the 4-yard line, Daniels faked the pitch left, kept the football and charged straight up the middle, steamrolling through Virginia safety Christian Ellis before crashing into the end zone.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Plumas National Forest, California About 100 miles northeast of California’s state capital, Derek Young stood in the middle of a clearing in Plumas National Forest.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • It’s been further modified by many factors, from today’s online publishing platforms to new means for assessing and quantifying scientific impact, and the increasingly interdisciplinary and team-based nature of research.
    — Jeffrey S. Flier, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The changes would eliminate the requirement for large commercial buildings to generate renewable energy on-site via rooftop solar or other means.
    — Tom Nyein, Baltimore Sun, 3 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Golden mean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/golden%20mean. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster