MIDDLE OF THE ROAD Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

middle-of-the-road 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmi-dᵊl-əv-ṯẖə-ˈrōd

as in moderate

avoiding major social change or extreme political ideas a candidate with middle-of-the-road views on most hot-button issues

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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.

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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

The Giants are hoping their secondary can turn around after a middle-of-the-road season in 2025. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Its score in cost & financing, meanwhile, was more middle-of-the-road. — Ahmed Jawadi, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 The Dolphins had 39 sacks last season, which tied for 15th in the NFL, a middle-of-the-road ranking. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for middle-of-the-road

Recent Examples of Synonyms for middle-of-the-road

Adjective

The report also found that Southern Punjab and transitional zones also hold opportunity for organic cotton farming, particularly where moderate irrigation is available.

— Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
With the default settings, moderate use, and minimal backlight, the reader can probably last for several weeks.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of moderate

Adjective

Upon landing in Samarkand on Sunday night, Rubio was warmly embraced by Uzbekistan’s foreign minister, Bakhtiyor Saidov, while two women clad in elaborate gold-and-black traditional dresses presented him with a bouquet.

— Reuters, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2026
In all these areas, the traditional aid system is falling short.

— David Miliband, Time, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of traditional

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middle of nowhere

middle-of-the-road

middle of the road

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“Middle-of-the-road.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/middle-of-the-road. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of middle-of-the-road

adjective

phrase

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