MIDDLE-OF-THE-ROAD Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

middle-of-the-road 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmi-dᵊl-əv-ṯẖə-ˈrōd

as in moderate

avoiding major social change or extreme political ideas a candidate with middle-of-the-road views on most hot-button issues

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

middle of the road

2 of 2

phrase

as in middle

a middle point between extremes I'm in the middle of the road on that issue.

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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

Adjective

The Giants are hoping their secondary can turn around after a middle-of-the-road season in 2025. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Its score in cost & financing, meanwhile, was more middle-of-the-road. — Ahmed Jawadi, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 The Dolphins had 39 sacks last season, which tied for 15th in the NFL, a middle-of-the-road ranking. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026 While its roster did sport the Byrds, it was better known for middle-of-the-road pop fare by acts like Johnny Mathis and Tony Bennett. — Chris Morris, Variety, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for middle-of-the-road

Recent Examples of Synonyms for middle-of-the-road

Adjective

Lawrence, who beat out more moderate candidates in the Democratic primary, was polling near even with Barrett in August.

— Connor Greene, Time, 30 Oct. 2026
Four moderate findings, each one manageable on its own, were sequenced into a full network compromise.

— Rohit Dhamankar, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of moderate

Adjective

Accessibility for those with mobility impairments There is wheelchair access in all of the public areas, including the spa and swimming pools, as well as two fully accessible rooms located in Building 2 (the central Bauhaus building).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
More than one grizzly may have been involved in a bear attack that relatives say left a mother and daughter dead in Bella Coola along the province's central coast, according to the Conservation Officer Service in British Columbia.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of central

Adjective

In addition to traditional cancellation and interruption protection, the plan includes medical coverage, emergency evacuation benefits and reimbursement for certain travel inconveniences.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Keurig and Lavazza’s new pods ditch the traditional plastic cups for compostable coffee tablets.

— Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of traditional

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middle of nowhere

middle-of-the-road

middle of the road

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“Middle-of-the-road.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/middle-of-the-road. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of middle-of-the-road

adjective

phrase

Example Sentences

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