as in decent
of average to below average quality
a so-so production of a great play
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
The offense will have to get better after three straight so-so performances in the postseason, though those came against three top-five defenses.
—Chad Graff, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Nov. 2025
And solid exit scores among moviegoers are more than making up for so-so reviews, including a B+ CinemaScore and an 80 percent audience ranking on Rotten Tomatoes.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 15 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for so-so
Adjective
In Las Vegas, a so-so steak at the Golden Steer might matter less, given the institution’s stature.
—Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
The offense will have to get better after three straight so-so performances in the postseason, though those came against three top-five defenses.
—Chad Graff, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Adverb
Dylan Cease’s so-so walk year doesn’t appear to have cost him in free agency.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Nov. 2025
And solid exit scores among moviegoers are more than making up for so-so reviews, including a B+ CinemaScore and an 80 percent audience ranking on Rotten Tomatoes.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 15 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for so-so
Recent Examples of Synonyms for so-so
Adjective
-
The various sights at the castle – a decent history museum, frescoed chapel, old-fashioned printing press, and wine cellar – are cute, but the real reason to come up here is to bask in the sweeping panoramas.—
Tribune Content Agency,
Baltimore Sun,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Hoskin is a 6-1, 190-pound winger with a pro release, offensive sense and skill, and decent skating that has improved over the years.—
Scott Wheeler,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Forbes, Devin’s face, 29 years old, good-looking.—
Clara Molot,
Vanity Fair,
17 Mar. 2026
-
The middle class expanded, with people landing good-paying jobs that resulted in higher tax revenue for state coffers.—
George Skelton,
Mercury News,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Nikola Vučević trade at the 2021 deadline was the first in a series of win-now moves that turned a bad team into, ultimately, a sad and mediocre one.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2026
-
All-inclusive resorts often come with a certain connotation, one characterized by mediocre food, overcrowded common areas, and a general lack of authenticity.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
1 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
That works out fine in normal times, but in this particular crisis that means the airlines are taking it on the chin.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The New York Yankees have held up fine in their first run through the starting rotation, but that rotation is still missing Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon.—
Logan Brown,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Privately, some writers walking the staff picket line still had faith in WGAW management to negotiate a satisfactory deal with the AMPTP amid the drama.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Safety, satisfactory customer service, and ensuring riders feel secure are best achieved by maintaining — and even increasing — staffing in transit systems.—
John Samuelsen,
New York Daily News,
17 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Rihanna is reportedly doing alright after a suspect was taken into custody for allegedly firing at her home on Sunday.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Mar. 2026
-
But things have gotten a little more uptight than alright with Moy’s family.—
Gary Graff,
Billboard,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Since then, a middling season has turned into one of Denver's best.—
Alex Wilcox,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The capsule was tilted to try and give the wastewater system a warm bath in the sun’s blistering rays—with middling success.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
4 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Nasturtiums, million bells, trailing verbena and sweet alyssum also lend themselves nicely to the pots.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The key is to find an unexpected pairing that contrasts nicely with your leggings.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“So-so.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/so-so. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
