middle-of-the-road

1 of 2

adjective

mid·​dle-of-the-road ˈmi-dᵊl-əv-ṯẖə-ˈrōd How to pronounce middle-of-the-road (audio)
: standing for or following a course of action midway between extremes
especially : being neither liberal nor conservative in politics
middle-of-the-roader noun
middle-of-the-roadism noun

middle of the road

2 of 2

noun phrase

: a course of action or a standpoint midway between extremes

Examples of middle-of-the-road in a Sentence

Adjective a candidate with middle-of-the-road views on most hot-button issues
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
His work leading nonprofits and a small business explains his middle-of-the-road stance on enforcing new mandates on industry. John Frank, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025 This middle-of-the-road snow blower will clear a small driveway quickly, but won’t cost you over a grand. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun phrase
The power of your celebrity is to stand in the middle of the road and hold your arms out and find a way to pull your brothers and your sisters together. Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2025 An unmarked black Nissan Armada flashing red-and-blue lights sat in the middle of the road. Jessica Seaman, The Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for middle-of-the-road 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined above

Noun Phrase

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of middle-of-the-road was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near middle-of-the-road

middle name

middle-of-the-road

middle of the road

Cite this Entry

“Middle-of-the-road.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/middle-of-the-road. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

middle-of-the-road

adjective
mid·​dle-of-the-road
ˌmid-ᵊl-əv-t͟hə-ˈrōd
: standing for or following a course of action midway between extremes
especially : being neither liberal nor conservative in politics
middle-of-the-roader
-ˈrōd-ər
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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