MEDIOCRE Synonyms: 152 Similar and Opposite Words

mediocre

adjective

ˌmē-dē-ˈō-kər

Definition of mediocre

as in decent

of average to below average quality your grades are mediocre and barely acceptable

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in poor

of low quality mediocre carvings in a pseudo-African style that are sold to tourists

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 mediocre But when looking past the graphic dismemberment and the bolder, bloodier presentation, the game underneath the violence is simply mediocre. — Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026 The Jets’ offense has ranged from mediocre to downright awful during his time with the team. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 10 Sep. 2026 At roughly 44 times earnings, Costco needs to execute, and another mediocre quarter would force us to reconsider our holding. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026 But a feel-good season, with gradual improvement rooted in process and preparation leading to mediocre results, won’t cut it for a program desperate for tangible success and the pieces in place to achieve it. — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mediocre

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mediocre

Adjective

The large platter comes with guacamole, oddly served in a dip bowl but with decent flavor.

— Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026
The battery life was only decent, neither especially short nor long.

— Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of decent

Adjective

Because of the drought, woodland deer food is not abundant in most of the state this year, and what exists is in poor condition with low nutritional value.

— Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
The Maracana's turf has been a concern for almost two weeks due to its poor shape amid a long season in Brazilian soccer.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of poor

Adjective

There may never be a satisfactory explanation for the WNBA’s insistence on abandoning such a loyal, durable fanbase, but the fans didn’t come to Mohegan Sun Arena one last time to ask why.

— Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026
This is not a satisfactory outcome for anyone — not people experiencing homelessness, the surrounding community or the institutions serving vulnerable Chicagoans.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of satisfactory

Adjective

In any case, the nation’s approach toward Europe was not to meddle in its internal affairs but, rather, to avoid another terrible Continental war.

— Beverly Gage, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
Offensive lineman Steve Avila was a member of the 2024 Rams team that turned it around after a terrible start.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of terrible

Adjective

Still, Sheeran carried on with his tour over the weekend, addressing the controversy and expressing a middling stance on Israel’s war in Gaza.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
The Tigers’ middling performance against Troy and sloppy play in spurts has cast some aspersions on their aspirations.

— PJ Green September 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of middling

Adjective

As the currency appreciates, imports — which play a significant role in the economy — become cheaper.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
About seven months ago, the average 30-year mortgage rate briefly dipped below 6% for the first time in years, prompting hopes that cheaper borrowing would finally unfreeze the housing market.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of cheap

Adjective

Georgia Power estimates this system will deliver 900 million dollars in net savings for ordinary customers over the working life of the reactors.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
Kyiv argued the warehouses held dual-use goods, and that hitting them would impose an immediate cost on ordinary Russians, who would pressure the Kremlin to end the war.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of ordinary

Adjective

The same can be said for TCU’s offense as well after the past two games against inferior opponents.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026
Beating the Titans on the road in Week 1 proved the Jets can take care of business against an inferior opponent.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of inferior

Browse Nearby Words

medieval

mediocre

mediocrities

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Mediocre.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mediocre. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of mediocre

adjective

Example Sentences

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