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
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Recent Examples of middle-of-the-road
Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 5 Jan. 2026
For a middle-of-the-road option that doesn't break the bank, this is a great choice.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026
Despite the fact that scientists believe the cosmos is packed with these middle-of-the-road black holes, they are rarely detected.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 9 Dec. 2025
Meanwhile, the Tigers’ defense is very middle-of-the-road in most stats.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for middle-of-the-road
Adjective
Angel went for a respectful middle-of-the-road jab — complimenting her parenting and resilience, but maligning her for being petty.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 5 Jan. 2026
For a middle-of-the-road option that doesn't break the bank, this is a great choice.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026
Despite the fact that scientists believe the cosmos is packed with these middle-of-the-road black holes, they are rarely detected.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 9 Dec. 2025
Meanwhile, the Tigers’ defense is very middle-of-the-road in most stats.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for middle-of-the-road
Recent Examples of Synonyms for middle-of-the-road
Adjective
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This small town is surrounded by lush green landscapes and enjoys temperatures that are consistently 20 degrees lower than metro Phoenix, making for moderate weather year-round.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
10 Feb. 2026
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Their signature wellness legislation was a bouquet of moderate, market-friendly reforms delivered during a boom in organic-food consumption.—
Annie Levin,
Washington Post,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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And third, the center of the nebula is obscure, with what looks like a wispy cloud in the foreground blocking us from seeing the central star itself.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Feb. 2026
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Built for a client focused on results rather than polish by Nick Maselli, the robot—named Sourccey—features a cylindrical, mobile body with a domed top, two articulated arms, and a central vertical lift for handling garments.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Athletes from seven different countries, including Japan, rank among the top 10 in the current women’s World Cup standings compared to just the traditional four for men.—
Dana ONeil,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
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Unlike traditional ransomware groups, ShinyHunters no longer focuses on encrypting systems.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Middle-of-the-road.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/middle-of-the-road. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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