as in moderate
avoiding major social change or extreme political ideas
a candidate with middle-of-the-road views on most hot-button issues
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
middle of the road
2 of 2phrase
as in middle
a middle point between extremes
I'm in the middle of the road on that issue.
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 middle-of-the-road
Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 11 Mar. 2025
The Oscars were about quality meeting popularity, about a kind of middle-of-the-road solid ground — and, at moments, artistic fearlessness.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 3 Mar. 2025
His work leading nonprofits and a small business explains his middle-of-the-road stance on enforcing new mandates on industry.
—John Frank, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025
This middle-of-the-road snow blower will clear a small driveway quickly, but won’t cost you over a grand.
—Christopher Murray, Fox News, 10 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for middle-of-the-road
Adjective
These tend to provide a combination of cushioning and lateral support that’s a little more middle-of-the-road.
—Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 11 Mar. 2025
The Oscars were about quality meeting popularity, about a kind of middle-of-the-road solid ground — and, at moments, artistic fearlessness.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 3 Mar. 2025
His work leading nonprofits and a small business explains his middle-of-the-road stance on enforcing new mandates on industry.
—John Frank, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025
This middle-of-the-road snow blower will clear a small driveway quickly, but won’t cost you over a grand.
—Christopher Murray, Fox News, 10 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for middle-of-the-road
Recent Examples of Synonyms for middle-of-the-road
Adjective
-
AbbVie's performance, when initially compared to the benchmark S&P 500 index across the aforementioned parameters, appears moderate.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
-
While improvements in jobs and wages would likely underpin a moderate economic recovery, Akazawa said that risks remained in consumer sentiment and consumption from sustained price hikes.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
This led to the extinction of the Caspian tiger — a once dominant predator on the forested steppes of western and central Asia.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
The event set the stage for a candid conversation about the real threats facing Black communities today—and why joy and resistance remain central to the path forward.—
Melissa Noel,
Essence,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
To stay competitive as water stress deepens across traditional and emerging production regions, the industry must decouple manufacturing from water use.—
Ken Katz,
Sourcing Journal,
5 May 2025
-
For him, achieving a red carpet-worthy look is about doing your research, diving into traditional braid styles for different ceremonies, and giving credit to where that inspiration came from.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
4 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Middle-of-the-road.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/middle-of-the-road. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share