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Synonyms

middle ground

American  

noun

  1. an intermediate position, area, or recourse between two opposites or extremes; a halfway or neutral standpoint.

  2. middle distance.

  3. Nautical. a length of comparatively shallow water having channels on both sides.


middle ground British  

noun

  1. another term for middle distance See middle-distance

  2. a position of compromise between two opposing views, parties, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of middle ground

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“We’ve got to find the middle ground that still allows us to innovate even if we produce in this bifurcated way,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal

“For example, they may be trying to find a middle ground, perhaps invalidating the tariffs but limiting refunds to ‘prospective relief’ only, not to past tariffs collected.

From MarketWatch

“We have got to figure out a middle ground here, guys. Somebody help me out.”

From Los Angeles Times

But between these quarterly bouts of domestic competence lies a slack, unromantic middle ground—weeknights when my freezer reserves have dwindled and my patience along with them.

From Salon

And no, I don’t mean finding a moderate political middle ground — there’s no middle ground with hate.

From Los Angeles Times