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middle-of-the-roadism

noun

Definition of middle-of-the-roadismnext
as in sacrifice

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for middle-of-the-roadism
  1. sacrifice
  2. frugality
  3. mortification
  4. asceticism
  5. self-denial
  6. austerity
  7. self-discipline
  8. restraint
Noun
  • The killing is halfway between femicide and, as the earth drinks up her blood, ritual sacrifice.
    — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Allen's trial attorneys wanted to put an expert witness on the stand to testify the killings appeared to be a ritual sacrifice by people who worshipped Odin, the king of the gods in Norse mythology.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of sacrifice
Noun
  • In real life, Andrew’s frugality drove a wedge between him and his daughters.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
  • His frugality has been well-documented, and his refusal to treat Blazers operations like an NBA team rather than an NHL one is concerning.
    — Zach Harper, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of frugality
Noun
  • Despite the Warriors operating with a pathetic sense of self-mortification — bending over backward for the mere possibility the King might grace them with his presence — the power of friendship wasn’t enough to lure James to the Bay.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
  • Now fully convinced of Broadwater’s innocence, Sebold looks back on the entire episode with deep mortification.
    — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026
Definition of mortification
Noun
  • In the face of fresh crisis, belief veered towards asceticism and sometimes mysticism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 July 2026
  • Just books and plays, and an asceticism associated with the priests Jim would often play.
    — Carl Kurlander, Deadline, 13 June 2026
Definition of asceticism
Noun
  • Automatic contributions, delayed payment windows, small rituals that add friction to impulse spending — these are all behavioral architecture moves, not acts of self-denial.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • At the beginning of her relationship with John, Carolyn’s central problem was that being part of the Kennedy family demanded some level of self-denial.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
Definition of self-denial
Noun
  • Alternatively, policymakers can use monetary tightening and austerity measures to suppress import demand, restoring the trade surplus at similar export levels.
    — Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2026
  • All the austerity options—cutting spending, reforming entitlements, or raising taxes are measures politicians are reluctant to embrace before an election.
    — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of austerity
Noun
  • Success requires self-discipline, resilience and the ability to stay productive without the structure of a traditional office.
    — Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Some employ chatbots for fun or companionship, but many others use them to support their mental health care—from attempting to self-diagnose conditions to helping with self-discipline.
    — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 18 June 2026
Definition of self-discipline
Noun
  • Due to the ongoing construction and current facility restraints, Belmont Park will only operate with a capacity of 6,000 during opening weekend and 4,000 after.
    — John Dias, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Perhaps showrunner and co-creator Ian Brennan showed restraint, even foresight, by keeping the Floridian killer out of Season 3’s meta movie storyline.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of restraint
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.

Browse Nearby Words

middle-of-the-roaders
middle-of-the-roadism
middler
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Cite this Entry

“Middle-of-the-roadism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/middle-of-the-roadism. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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