middle-of-the-road 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmi-dᵊl-əv-ṯẖə-ˈrōd How to pronounce middle-of-the-road (audio)
Definition of middle-of-the-roadnext
as in moderate
avoiding major social change or extreme political ideas a candidate with middle-of-the-road views on most hot-button issues

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

middle of the road

2 of 2

phrase

as in middle
a middle point between extremes I'm in the middle of the road on that issue.

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 middle-of-the-road
Adjective
While its roster did sport the Byrds, it was better known for middle-of-the-road pop fare by acts like Johnny Mathis and Tony Bennett. — Chris Morris, Variety, 22 June 2026 Fans are hoping for a more balanced product where the top spending teams, like the Dodgers who have won the last two World Series, don’t have the same advantage as teams with middle-of-the-road payrolls. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026 Flexible moderates, roughly 35% of the survey’s respondents, are a middle-of-the-road group without strong political or religious motivations. — George E. Mitchell, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026 The organization clearly needs a youth infusion in the wings behind a stable starting offensive front, and Denver won’t be content to bring back the exact same middle-of-the-road TE room — Evan Engram, Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins and Lucas Krull — to Week 1 in 2026. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for middle-of-the-road
Recent Examples of Synonyms for middle-of-the-road
  1. moderate
  2. central
  3. traditional
Adjective
  • The Ghost 17 style is available in that same all-black look and has moderate support and soft cushioning.
    — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • They were taken to the hospital, one with critical injuries and the others with moderate injuries.
    — Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Definition of moderate
Adjective
  • The heart of the home features a large open living area with timber kitchen, central fire place, vaulted timber ceilings, and large floor-to-ceiling windows.
    — Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
  • The province’s right to implement Islamic law was granted by Indonesia’s secular central government around 2005 as part of a peace deal to end a separatist insurgency.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of central
Adjective
  • But the shift underscores a dramatic loss of clout by Comcast and other traditional media enterprises.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • While the crowds spent their money on an overheated summer in the Mediterranean, a quieter group is waiting patiently for September, October and November, the traditional shoulder season.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of traditional

Browse Nearby Words

middle of nowhere
middle-of-the-road
middle of the road
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Cite this Entry

“Middle-of-the-road.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/middle-of-the-road. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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