as in decent
of average to below average quality
a so-so production of a great play
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in good
in a satisfactory way
I think I did so-so on the test
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 so-so
Nick Piecoro, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2023
Small turned in a so-so performance, allowing four hits, two runs and four walks with four strikeouts in 2⅔ innings and ultimately didn't earn a decision in a Brewers victory.
—Todd Rosiak, Journal Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2023
Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
The film itself lacks much of the original’s charms (here, the dogs don’t speak), and John Hughes’ so-so script borrows heavily from his earlier film Home Alone, right down to the two fumbling bandits (Hugh Laurie and Mark Williams, playing Cruella’s henchmen).
—Staff Author, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for so-so
Adjective
His results, both in the big leagues and the minors over the past two seasons, have been so-so at best.
—Nick Piecoro, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2023
Small turned in a so-so performance, allowing four hits, two runs and four walks with four strikeouts in 2⅔ innings and ultimately didn't earn a decision in a Brewers victory.
—Todd Rosiak, Journal Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2023
Adverb
But a so-so spring training — 6.2 innings, 8 hits, and three runs allowed — wasn't enough to earn Yarbrough a spot on Toronto's 40-man roster.
—Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
The film itself lacks much of the original’s charms (here, the dogs don’t speak), and John Hughes’ so-so script borrows heavily from his earlier film Home Alone, right down to the two fumbling bandits (Hugh Laurie and Mark Williams, playing Cruella’s henchmen).
—Staff Author, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for so-so
Recent Examples of Synonyms for so-so
Adjective
-
Thus far, Wall Street has had a decent start to the first-quarter earnings season.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2025
-
The former Washington Husky has had a decent start to his 2025 season.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Ours is set in a modern world while subverting the audiences expectations given the character has personified good since its inception.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
10 May 2024
-
Ethics and dangers are obvious concerns, but it shouldn’t be overlooked that AI has the potential to do profound good beyond pithy conversation with some chatbot.—
Steven Aquino,
Forbes,
13 Nov. 2023
Adjective
-
For small teams, especially in early-stage startups, spreading content efforts thin often leads to mediocre results across all platforms.—
Abdo Riani,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
-
After a mediocre entry in 2023’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage—which began as Valhalla DLC and was developed by B-team Ubisoft Bordeaux—Shadows is an all-in, massive budget monstrosity led by the very Aist of teams.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
18 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
But that hasn't stopped some players from discovering that many mods created for the 2006 original seem to work just fine in the new game with a bare minimum of installation headaches.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
23 Apr. 2025
-
The Switch 2 has broad backward compatibility, meaning most Switch games will work just fine.—
Julian Chokkattu,
Wired News,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The surgery was difficult due to Bolsonaro’s prior surgeries and stab wound, but Sunday’s procedure did not have unexpected complications and the result was satisfactory, doctors said, adding that hospital visits for now should be limited to family.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
14 Apr. 2025
-
According to the complaint, Combs allegedly said the act wasn’t satisfactory and threatened Doe with violence afterward.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Actor Tim Blake Nelson, who wrote, directed, and stars in Leaves of Grass, deserved better than its middling reviews and dreadful box-office performance.—
Barry Levitt,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
-
During a woeful three-inning outing, the 26-year-old gave up six runs to the middling Colorado Rockies.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In a skillet, sweat the onion with half the extra virgin olive oil for several minutes over medium heat.—
Isabella Milano,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Place a cast-iron skillet or other heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat.—
Linda Zavoral,
Mercury News,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Oliver is closer to ordinary than dominant on a game-by-game basis, while DeWayne Carter was a healthy scratch in the playoffs.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
-
So refreshing to see out of ordinary kitchen design.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“So-so.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/so-so. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share