as in decent
of average to below average quality
a so-so production of a great play
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in good
in a satisfactory way
I think I did so-so on the test
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of so-so
Nick Piecoro, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2023
Small turned in a so-so performance, allowing four hits, two runs and four walks with four strikeouts in 2⅔ innings and ultimately didn't earn a decision in a Brewers victory.
—Todd Rosiak, Journal Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2023
Candace Bushnell, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2025
Hence his so-so season ERAs of 4.53, 4.56, 4.04 and 4.14 from 2021 through last year.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for so-so
Adjective
His results, both in the big leagues and the minors over the past two seasons, have been so-so at best.
—Nick Piecoro, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2023
Small turned in a so-so performance, allowing four hits, two runs and four walks with four strikeouts in 2⅔ innings and ultimately didn't earn a decision in a Brewers victory.
—Todd Rosiak, Journal Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2023
Adverb
After years in obscure so-so movies playing Chopin and Byron, and in some respectable Merchant Ivory ones, the surprise star of last year's Four Weddings and a Funeral and this year's Nine Months and The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill but Came Down a Mountain has lately been having a bad life.
—Candace Bushnell, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2025
Hence his so-so season ERAs of 4.53, 4.56, 4.04 and 4.14 from 2021 through last year.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for so-so
Recent Examples of Synonyms for so-so
Adjective
-
Blessedly, Tucci and Esposito infuse their cheesier character moments with a decent dose of sincerity to blunt the edges.—
Courtney Howard,
Variety,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Baker, who resides in Los Angeles, can’t get a decent catfish to save her life.—
Abigail Covington,
Rolling Stone,
7 Mar. 2025
Adverb
-
Ours is set in a modern world while subverting the audiences expectations given the character has personified good since its inception.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
10 May 2024
-
Ethics and dangers are obvious concerns, but it shouldn’t be overlooked that AI has the potential to do profound good beyond pithy conversation with some chatbot.—
Steven Aquino,
Forbes,
13 Nov. 2023
Adjective
-
So was the win a reminder that occasional flashes of excellence aside, the Islanders are in the midst of a fourth straight mediocre season and in need of a reboot/reload that could be sparked by the trades of impending free agents such as Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri?—
Jerry Beach,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
-
The 29-year-old had a mediocre year with Washington in 2023, and he’s bounced between minor league deals since.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
5 Mar. 2025
Adverb
-
Trump recently claimed the US could get along just fine without Canadian oil.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Toyotas run forever, Baty said, why get a new car when the old one was still running fine?—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
While the overall atmosphere and design of the restaurant are aesthetically pleasing, the menu is just as satisfactory.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Employees in Idaho and across the U.S. say their termination letters blamed their performance despite histories of satisfactory reviews.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Despite being a middling defensive team over the entire season, the Bulls have posted the seventh-worst defensive rating (118) in the NBA over the last 10 games.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Ditto for Igor Shesterkin on a middling Rangers team.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
The Athletic,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Add sugar; beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2025
-
Roast and Serve Meanwhile, in a medium bowl drizzle shrimp with remaining lemon mixture; toss to coat.—
Jessica Saari Christensen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
These are taxed at different (typically lower) rates than ordinary income.—
Heather L. Locus,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
-
Experts will appreciate them; ordinary users can ignore them.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“So-so.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/so-so. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share