middle-of-the-roader
Neither left nor
A middle-of-the-roader is someone who avoids extreme positions, especially in politics.
The term suggests caution or moderation—staying in the center rather than veering left or right.
It can be neutral description or mild criticism, implying timidity or lack of conviction: The party nominated a middle-of-the-roader who wouldn't alienate swing voters.
One favoring middle positions
- moderateLessen intensity or preside
- bipartisanInvolving both major parties
- independentFree from external control
- swing voterPersuadable electorate member
fence-sitter · compromiser · pragmatist · nonpartisan · undecided · neutral · purple state · crossover
Careful to avoid risk
- measuredCarefully considered, unhurried
- balancedIn a state of equilibrium
- even-keeledEmotionally balanced, consistent
- levelheadedCalm and judicious
steady · unflappable · restrained · equanimous · temperate · prudent · risk-averse · calm
Following accepted practices
- ordinaryStandard, unremarkable
- averageArithmetic mean or ordinary
- unremarkableNot worthy of comment
- safeFree from peril
uncontroversial · mainstream · vanilla · bland · mediocre · uninspired · fence-sitter · go-along
centrist
One favoring middle positions
- moderateLessen intensity or preside
- bipartisanInvolving both major parties
- independentFree from external control
swing voter · fence-sitter · compromiser · pragmatist · nonpartisan · undecided · neutral · purple state · crossover · triangulation
cautious
Careful to avoid risk
- measuredCarefully considered, unhurried
- balancedIn a state of equilibrium
- even-keeledEmotionally balanced, consistent
levelheaded · steady · unflappable · restrained · equanimous · temperate · prudent · risk-averse · calm · collected
conventional
Following accepted practices
- ordinaryStandard, unremarkable
- averageArithmetic mean or ordinary
- unremarkableNot worthy of comment
safe · uncontroversial · mainstream · vanilla · bland · mediocre · uninspired · fence-sitter · go-along · people-pleaser
middle-of-the-roadercrusader
Zealous advocate for change
activist · firebrand · uncompromising · absolutist · hard-liner
middle, midway, amidst, midpoint, midland, midnight, midday, midsummer, midwinter