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
Joe, an associate professor at a so-so music conservatory, schleps up the city’s hills on a foldable bike while Angela stylishly picks flowers and food from the market. — ABC News, 24 June 2026 The question will be whether Graves, who played center in college, can overcome his smaller frame and so-so athleticism. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 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 But that dosing mechanism only works so-so. — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 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
  • As time passes, the kills have to get more inventive to sustain the level of suspense required for a decent sized group of people to be in fear of their lives for a prolong period of time.
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • These are fine principles, the bedrock of any decent society.
    — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 29 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
  • An investor who bought apartments in a great city and an investor who bought single-family rentals in a mediocre one ended 2025 in very different positions, and the map explains neither outcome.
    — Tony Julianelle, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • For the most part, this tax asymmetry triggers only mediocre productivity gains.
    — Daron Acemoglu, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
Definition of mediocre
Adverb
  • But despite losses and a legal battle, Tannenbaum is doing just fine.
    — Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • In the end, my cheat-code pie crust worked just fine and all was well.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 July 2026
Definition of fine
Adjective
  • This matters because ringing up more sales outside the morning coffee rush can help keep Starbucks’ comps growing at satisfactory clips as year-over-year comparisons get tougher.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 30 July 2026
  • Police responses can also lead to trauma for that person or a less satisfactory outcome than another community service response would produce, Duckett said.
    — Scott Maucione, NPR, 27 July 2026
Definition of satisfactory
Adverb
  • Matthew McConaughey hopes that Woody Harrelson has a more than alright, alright, alright 65th birthday.
    — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of alright
Adjective
  • From 1990-2008, the Tigers finished a season ranked inside the AP top-10 just once, as coaches like Tommy West and Tommy Bowden produced middling results year after year.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
  • Miller has entered the conversation for most dominant closer ever, and multiple contenders are interested in prying him away from a middling team.
    — The Athletic MLB Staff, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of middling
Adverb
  • Patrick Mahomes’ goal to be ready for Week 1 is trending quite nicely, as the three-time Super Bowl champion was cleared to participate in training camp without any limitations.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Veal and beef meatballs pair nicely with a smoky pomodoro sauce and mini rigatoni.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 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 4 Aug. 2026.

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