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 2phrase
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
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Recent Examples of middle-of-the-road
Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2025
Atlanta, on the other hand, is a middle-of-the-road team in both categories.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
These tend to provide a combination of cushioning and lateral support that’s a little more middle-of-the-road.
—Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 11 Mar. 2025
The Oscars were about quality meeting popularity, about a kind of middle-of-the-road solid ground — and, at moments, artistic fearlessness.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for middle-of-the-road
Adjective
The Jets’ offensive line was a middle-of-the-road unit last season, allowing 40 sacks, which ranked 17th in the league.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2025
Atlanta, on the other hand, is a middle-of-the-road team in both categories.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
These tend to provide a combination of cushioning and lateral support that’s a little more middle-of-the-road.
—Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 11 Mar. 2025
The Oscars were about quality meeting popularity, about a kind of middle-of-the-road solid ground — and, at moments, artistic fearlessness.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for middle-of-the-road
Recent Examples of Synonyms for middle-of-the-road
Adjective
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Cuomo's advantage extended across all major demographics and regions, with particularly strong support from moderate Democrats.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
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One bystander borrowed someone’s boogie board and headed out in the gulf, where yellow flags were flying to indicate moderate surf and currents, the sheriff’s office said.—
Olivia Lloyd,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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The incident's central command constantly receives progress reports from firefighters on the ground.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
31 May 2025
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Irrespective of the taker, Inter’s delivery is often placed perfectly towards the central zones — close to the penalty spot — for team-mates to attack.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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But newer spots such as Lucky Day, which opened in 2017, are expanding beyond Buffalo’s traditional menu offerings.—
David Allan,
CNN Money,
31 May 2025
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Candidates are largely barred from traditional campaigning, a policy to try to level the playing field among candidates with different campaign funds.—
Jack Nicas,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Middle-of-the-road.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/middle-of-the-road. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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