so-so 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of so-sonext
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

so-so

2 of 2

adverb

ˈsō-ˈsō How to pronounce so-so (audio)
as in good
in a satisfactory way I think I did so-so on the test

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 so-so
Adjective
The Sabres don’t have a clear need in their skater group given the development of their young forwards, so looking toward the net makes the most sense, especially given the so-so development of Devon Levi. — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 23 June 2026 Within Nanjiani’s so-so performance is a cautionary tale about Taskmaster’s recent casting methods and what this show both requires from, and owes to, its competitors. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 June 2026
Adverb
Instead, all four proved to be only so-so reality TV chefs and the judges never had to make a single Sophie’s choice between any of them. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2026 The fresh rooms and beautiful views make this hotel worth it, but factor in the so-so beach and resort fees when making your decision. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for so-so
Recent Examples of Synonyms for so-so
  1. decent
  2. good
  3. mediocre
  4. fine
  5. satisfactory
  6. alright
  7. middling
  8. nicely
Adjective
  • The Crosstrek also has decent off-road capability as a base model and can easily be enhanced with tires or purchased from the factory as a mean off-roading machine (Crosstrek Wilderness).
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 14 July 2026
  • Insiders added that the power striker, who also is a decent rapper himself, was on his best behavior.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
Definition of decent
Adverb
  • Orange County’s future depends on an economy where businesses have the tools and support to succeed while workers have access to good-paying careers that allow families to thrive.
    — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026
  • Industry officials say their rise will lead to good-paying jobs.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026
Definition of good
Adjective
  • Some with the club, however, were concerned that the team’s current 26-8 run, following a disappointing 26-34 start, came mostly against mediocre opponents.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 10 July 2026
  • Innovative mechanics and a soothing stretch mode make the LiberNovo Omni memorable, but its mediocre support ultimately overshadows its technical achievements.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 9 July 2026
Definition of mediocre
Adverb
  • Most plates work fine on carpet, though some brands recommend a dense rubber mat underneath for stability.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026
  • Standard trail food, which is calorie-dense and heavily processed, works fine for two to four weeks but gets old fast.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
Definition of fine
Adjective
  • The fifth season will have a really hard time wrapping up everything in a satisfactory way at this point.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Kelley said the company believed the existing easement was satisfactory and wasn’t told otherwise until after investing years of work on he project.
    — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
Definition of satisfactory
Adverb
  • And in new data released this week from the Ronald Reagan Institute, there are very clear warnings that the kids aren’t alright with MAGA.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 1 July 2026
  • Went to Monaco on loan in February and has done alright there.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 26 May 2026
Definition of alright
Adjective
  • Both series have middling reviews from both critics and audiences, but that has not translated into a lack of viewership.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • But a small group of greedy families of middling significance?
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026
Definition of middling
Adverb
  • The chart below, which The Economist published two years ago, nicely sums up the wealth-building power of the US economy over the long haul.
    — Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • In the thermal pool, guests lie or sit on underwater hydro-massage beds and seats while lumbar jets pummel the muscles most nicely.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Definition of nicely

Browse Nearby Words

sort (through)
so-so
sot
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Cite this Entry

“So-so.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/so-so. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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