middle ground

noun

Synonyms of middle groundnext
1
: a standpoint or area midway between extreme or opposing positions, options, or objectives
The judge chose a middle ground between harshness and leniency.
2
: middle distance sense 1

Synonyms of middle ground

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Examples of middle ground in a Sentence

The judge of the case chose a middle ground between harshness and leniency. Both sides in this debate need to do more to establish some middle ground.
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.
Yet instead of granting both their scope, Sullivan tends to let these extremes slide toward a middle ground. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026 This creates a middle ground between full ownership and complete separation, allowing Boeing to participate in potential growth without bearing the entire cost, risk, and responsibility of operating the businesses. — Alex Krutz, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 As the debate over College Football Playoff expansion focuses on whether the postseason tournament should grow to 16 or 24 teams, an idea to find middle ground might illustrate just how far apart both sides remain. — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026 There is a generous middle ground between playing rental-kitchen roulette and packing up everything but the kitchen sink. — Emma Laperruque, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for middle ground

Word History

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of middle ground was in 1752

Rhymes for middle ground

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Browse Nearby Words

Middle Greek
middle ground
middle-grounder
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Cite this Entry

“Middle ground.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/middle%20ground. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

middle ground

noun
: a position midway between extreme or opposing points of view, choices, or objectives
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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