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
Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 19 Aug. 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
The 31-year-old has had a so-so training camp, which could create a decision point for the Bills.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 19 Aug. 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
-
Artists and songwriters could earn a decent living with an album that sold even modestly.—
Roy Trakin,
Rolling Stone,
1 Oct. 2025
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Fallah was productive on a decent Oregon State team, and Coleman was the leading scorer on a last-place Big East team.—
CJ Moore,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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This could be a catalyst for hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs right here in America.—
Peter Welch,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
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Otherwise, the new mom said the family is doing good now that the newborn baby is here.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Davis was the second-leading scorer on a mediocre Southern Illinois team.—
CJ Moore,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
-
There are slumps, patches of mediocre play, doldrums of various kinds.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
28 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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Though the album’s genres are superficially diverse—you’ll hear flashes of grunge, trap, and, yes, reggae—its arrangements could work fine as royalty-free background music for content creators.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
3 Oct. 2025
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The league constitution grants Goodell the authority to fine, suspend or even terminate the contract of a coach for conduct detrimental to the league.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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How many grafts does each zone need to achieve a satisfactory outcome for the eye?—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
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If someone asks if arrangements are satisfactory?—
Jessica Kozuka,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Factor in, too, that Minnesota is at best a middling draw as a landing spot for UFAs, and losing its lone superstar at this moment would be a crushing blow.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
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Overall, the Reds have a middling bullpen – something the Dodgers can only aspire to.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
30 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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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
-
In a medium bowl, combine honey, soy sauce and teriyaki sauce and stir into skillet.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
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While the chicken cooks, adjust the heat of the skillet with the chicken drippings to medium-low.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“So-so.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/so-so. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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