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
Relevance
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
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
Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026
By running as middle-of-the-road centrists.
—Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
But some form of change appears to be needed, with the Heat currently on track to be in the play-in tournament for a fourth straight year amid another middle-of-the-road season.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
Rather than focus on market research or industry convention, a middle-of-the-road golfer worth north of $4 billion merely wanted to lower his scores.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for middle-of-the-road
Adjective
And what of a middle-of-the-road dweller like Matt Hasselbeck?
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026
By running as middle-of-the-road centrists.
—Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
But some form of change appears to be needed, with the Heat currently on track to be in the play-in tournament for a fourth straight year amid another middle-of-the-road season.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
Rather than focus on market research or industry convention, a middle-of-the-road golfer worth north of $4 billion merely wanted to lower his scores.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for middle-of-the-road
Recent Examples of Synonyms for middle-of-the-road
Adjective
-
Mice with moderate triglyceride levels had accelerated aneurysms form, those with higher levels experienced an aortic dissection or tear, and most mice with severely high concentrations died from an aortic rupture.—
Brianna Abbott,
STAT,
7 Apr. 2026
-
After the Great Depression, John Maynard Keynes, an economist whose personal life was full of love affairs with leading literary figures, suggested that governments could prevent, or at least moderate, these booms and busts.—
Alex Mayyasi,
NPR,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
His career essentially bestrides the slow-to-grow Before Times and the apparent soccer paradise of today, which was fortified by remarkable facilities, boosted by an ideal central location and forged by an eagerly welcoming host city that slugged above its weight to make this happen.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
-
As California voters prepare to choose their next governor in 2026, energy policy — particularly the future of oil production, refineries and gas prices — has remained a central and complex issue in the race.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Powered by nutrient-dense lupini beans, Kaizen’s pasta, rice and mac & cheese deliver over 20 grams of protein per serving, 80-85% fewer carbs than traditional options and 15 grams of fiber while remaining gluten-free, non-GMO and kosher.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Other gifts included a traditional Bedouin tent and tables, cushions and carpets that Epstein later set up on his island.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
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 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
