Definition of subparnext
as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard the service at the restaurant was subpar, to say the least

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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 subpar Even in subpar seasons, the Red Sox are a doubles machine because of Fenway’s dimensions. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026 That's subpar compared with the $599 Even Realities G2, which can comfortably last the day with regular use. Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026 An 'extreme situation' Former Navy officials said the pictures of service members' subpar meals looked markedly worse than the quality of eats during their time in Navy service. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026 Lawsuits over subpar jailhouse healthcare are frequently filed and often dismissed, as was the case in two-thirds of the suits filed against Armor. Nichole Manna, ProPublica, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subpar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subpar
Adjective
  • For a city in the grip of a housing crisis, that delay was unacceptable.
    Michelle de la Uz, New York Daily News, 13 May 2026
  • Bans on unacceptable-risk AI have applied since February 2025, according to the European Commission.
    Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Harper opened a small dance studio, on Forty-sixth Street; business was poor until Bradley was hired and revamped Delroy’s act.
    Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
  • Still vehicle electronics can be damaged from reverse polarity, poor or wrong connection points or voltage spikes from improper equipment.
    Hartford Courant, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • The challenge these proposals aim to address is real — but trying to hold back the tide is the wrong answer.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026
  • In a 4-3 ruling, the court said the legislature followed the wrong process for putting the question, an amendment to the state constitution, on the ballot.
    Larry Kaplow, NPR, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • And getting all giddy over some lame light beer that has apple juice poured into to is just plain embarrassing.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • This idea that just sitting with your face buried in your phone when you’re supposed to be in a social setting—that’s lame, right?
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Fast forward to mid-May, and the Astros are, well, bad.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
  • Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has resulted in the loss of nearly a billion barrels of oil, with the shortage growing worse every day the sea lane remains closed.
    Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • All babies are born deficient in vitamin K, which is vital to blood clotting, and cannot form what are called clotting factors, or substances in the body that help stop bleeding naturally.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • Effect sizes are modest for healthy adults but meaningful for those who are deficient.
    Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Residents describe ‘a terrible night’ More than 30 people were injured in the apartment building collapse, while emergency workers rescued 28 residents, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said.
    Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
  • And some were not kind to him on social media following the terrible first round.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • That is a really horrible thing.
    David Chiu, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
  • The Virginia Supreme Court has just struck down the Democrats’ horrible gerrymander.
    Justin Papp, CNBC, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Subpar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subpar. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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