as in decent
of average to below average quality
a so-so production of a great play
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in good
in a satisfactory way
I think I did so-so on the test
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of so-so
Nick Piecoro, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2023
Small turned in a so-so performance, allowing four hits, two runs and four walks with four strikeouts in 2⅔ innings and ultimately didn't earn a decision in a Brewers victory.
—Todd Rosiak, Journal Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2023
Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The 7-1 loss put a bad finish on a so-so 6-6 showing on their four-city, 12-game, 14-day road trip.
—Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for so-so
Adjective
His results, both in the big leagues and the minors over the past two seasons, have been so-so at best.
—Nick Piecoro, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2023
Small turned in a so-so performance, allowing four hits, two runs and four walks with four strikeouts in 2⅔ innings and ultimately didn't earn a decision in a Brewers victory.
—Todd Rosiak, Journal Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2023
Adverb
In other words, the team is so-so.
—Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The 7-1 loss put a bad finish on a so-so 6-6 showing on their four-city, 12-game, 14-day road trip.
—Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for so-so
Recent Examples of Synonyms for so-so
Adjective
-
Like a romping rhino, the Supersports skirted the limits of decent behavior with an urge to charge every now and again.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
28 Oct. 2025
-
The Browns ran with decent success at edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson, a frequent target of opposing run games, even when Chaisson did not align at his usual right outside linebacker position.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
28 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
The losers in this round are Toby and our not-so-perfect Tom, who struggles the entire episode, which is strange for a man who is that good-looking.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
24 Oct. 2025
-
That’s usually workers in high-skill, good-paying industries or top performers in lower-wage sectors.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
While most scented soaps do a mediocre job of masking food smells with harsh, cheap fragrances, Naomi’s scrub neutralizes offending odors with bread-yeast enzymes, then leaves behind subtle, but incredibly luxurious notes of bergamot, black pepper, sandalwood, and ginger.—
Editors of Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
29 Oct. 2025
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The Blue Jays, on the other hand, have given their starting rotation a makeover in the postseason after getting mediocre results during the season.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
24 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
That works fine — except when there are 500 other curious people using their phones around you!—
Greg Palkot,
FOXNews.com,
24 Oct. 2025
-
And though this slick east-side restaurant has loosened up a bit, the razor-sharp staff still runs the place like the fine-dining spectacle it's been for 20 years, with perfect pacing and so much poise.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Overall, the sound quality is comparable to that of a basic Bluetooth speaker—more than satisfactory for an AIO PC.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
15 Oct. 2025
-
According to a poll conducted by the company, eight out of 10 users were happy with the experience, while another one in five described it as satisfactory.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
After several lackluster outings against middling running backs, the Dolphins finally had a statement performance against Robinson in their 34-10 victory over the Falcons.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
27 Oct. 2025
-
A lot will need to go right for the Celtics to exceed their middling expectations.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
22 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Did alright in the Championship last season but physicality is an issue.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
The stand-ins did alright, handing the Mariners a 3-2 setback for the Dodgers’ 91st win of the season.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld, about 15 minutes.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Cook on medium to high heat for 3-4 hours.—
Bethany Thayer,
Freep.com,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“So-so.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/so-so. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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