middle-of-the-road

1 of 2

adjective

mid·​dle-of-the-road ˈmi-dᵊl-əv-ṯẖə-ˈrōd 

: standing for or following a course of action midway between extremes

especially : being neither liberal nor conservative in politics

middle-of-the-roader

ˈmi-dᵊl-əv-ṯẖə-ˈrō-dər 

noun

middle-of-the-roadism

ˈmi-dᵊl-əv-ṯẖə-ˈrō-ˌdi-zəm 

noun

middle of the road

2 of 2

noun phrase

: a course of action or a standpoint midway between extremes

Synonyms

Adjective

• central
• centrist
• moderate

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

Adjective

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

Dolphins are middle-of-the-road blitz defense The Dolphins are tied for 12th in the league in blitz rate at 28.2%. —Gqlshare, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2024

Noun phrase

This is a middle of the road do-it-all ski that can handle going off piste but also turns easily on groomers, with a medium turn radius and good carving grip at higher speeds. —Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Housing and medical costs were also middle of the road, which made retirement less burdensome for older people. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined above

Noun Phrase

1891, in the meaning defined above

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