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 This disconnect, where luxury price points could be charged for subpar service, is precisely what inspired Kelly to create Twentty. Maria Williams, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025 The team faced the pressure after a subpar first half and rose to the occasion. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2025 The rocket met each of its objectives, ending a streak of subpar performance that had plagued the developing launch vehicle since the beginning of 2025. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Other Starbucks customers, too, have found frequent subpar service at the ubiquitous coffee chain. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subpar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subpar
Adjective
  • This vile, heartless remark is completely unacceptable—especially from someone entrusted with our children.
    Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • What constitutes an unacceptable season for the Yankees these days, and how much does Boone bear responsibility when the team doesn't perform up to those standards?
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Cutting carbs entirely can raise the risk of cholesterol, kidney stones, poor bone health, gut problems, and even cancer, added Stefanki.
    Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Before Wednesday’s game, people within the organization were optimistic about Helsley putting his tipping problem and overall poor pitching behind him, pointing to a clean inning Monday.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Another main issue is that the power grind itself now being the endgame is no longer a good motivator to play, nor is the Tier system with 3s not much different than 4s or 5s, and all past weapons being somewhat lame now outside of that system entirely.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Paine proposed a lump sum payment of £15 (£2,306 in 2025) to everyone reaching the age of twenty-one and a £10 (£1,537 in 2025) annual pension for the blind and lame, as well as for those fifty and older.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Using the wrong type of cleaning product for your tub's material can result in scratches, discoloration, or chips.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Scotsman Robert MacIntyre was pleased to have made the cut with a birdie on the last on Friday evening but when a rare second cut was made to shorten the field for the final day, the 29-year-old from Oban was on the wrong side of the line when finishing 2 under par.
    Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But that’s actually a bad thing for a couple reasons.
    Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • But worse than the poverty was the verbal and physical abuse from his father.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The following table lists the deficient, virtuous, and excess descriptions of justice.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Of the veterinary diets, 66% were found to have lower total protein by design and were also deficient in one or more essential amino acids.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Yes, there are so much terrible stuff online.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2025
  • But that obviously terrible call compromised the integrity of that game last night, and that's something the sport should be looking to avoid.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The horrible accident — later determined to be caused by pilot error — remains the deadliest plane crash in Charlotte history.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • But then came a horrible deep-ball attempt intended for Stefon Diggs that Isaiah Pola-Mao intercepted.
    Steve Buckley, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Subpar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subpar. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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