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

Most are denizens of the bright and hot sun in just about any middle-of-the-road soil. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 16 Aug. 2024

These are the definition of middle-of-the-road real Americans. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 9 Aug. 2024

Noun phrase

Then, climbing one of the steepest hills in Silver Lake, the Tesla accelerates too fast while steering into the middle of the road, unaware of the sharp decline on the other side or whatever vehicles may be coming up. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2024

Parked just past her house was the Home Depot flatbed truck, waiting in the middle of the road. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 9 July 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