middle-of-the-road

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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
The Flyers could conceivably use some of those picks in trades, while also keeping enough of them to bolster what looks like a middle-of-the-road farm system. Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 19 June 2025 And as the Broncos have added Dobbins and rookie RJ Harvey to the mix to address their greatest weakness from 2024 — a middle-of-the-road rushing attack — the offensive line’s cohesiveness in creating gaps could determine the roster’s ceiling come fall. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 18 June 2025
Noun phrase
Caputo’s Ford Escape had suddenly stopped in the middle of the road, almost causing a crash, according to Deputy Jose Guzman. Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025 Phillips was among two officers who responded to a call reporting an SUV stopped in the middle of the road along Pioneer Parkway near Daniel Drive, Arlington police have said. Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Middle-of-the-road.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/middle-of-the-road. Accessed 30 Jun. 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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