middle-of-the-road

[ mid-l-uhv-thuh-rohd ]

adjective

1. favoring, following, or characterized by an intermediate position between two extremes, especially in politics; moderate.
2. of, relating to, or describing a type of popular music that avoids extremes of style and is catchy and tuneful enough to have broad appeal. : MOR

noun

1. Also called easy listening. popular music having comparatively conventional, melodic qualities and hence having broad commercial appeal. : MOR

middle-of-the-road

adjective

1. not extreme, esp in political views; moderate
2. of, denoting, or relating to popular music having a wide general appeal

Derived Forms

• ˈmiddle-of-the-ˈroader, noun

Other Words From

• middle-of-the-roader noun
• middle-of-the-roadism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of middle-of-the-road¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

He pitched himself to voters as a moderate Republican, saying he bucked his party on abortion and immigration, instead sticking to middle-of-the-road policy proposals.

From Los Angeles Times

Farage is keenly aware that to challenge for real power, he needs to attract middle-of-the-road voters turned off by endless scandals.

From BBC

Brown's localizing strategy has traditionally worked in his favor, appealing to "middle-of-the-road constituency that tends to appeal to Ohioans," Neiheisel said.

From Salon

At that wage, it would take 445 years to earn as much as the middle-of-the-road chief executive on this list.

From New York Times

Former Secretary of State Sam Reed said he hopes Washington Republicans can distinguish themselves from the national scene with middle-of-the-road candidates.

From Seattle Times