as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard
the service at the restaurant was subpar, to say the least
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of subpar
Sherman's analysis seemed to center on his opinion that Hunter's natural route-running skills were subpar.
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Chantz Martin, Fox News, 28 Sep. 2024
Much like the stock market as a whole, a successful investment portfolio typically has exceptional stocks that more than overcome the subpar returns of the duds.
—Bill Stone, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024
Since its launch in Canada two years ago, the streaming service has been offering audiophiles a premium alternative to the subpar sound of more mainstream American platforms.
—Ron Hart, SPIN, 29 Nov. 2024
Citing a message sent to operators last Friday, Restaurant Business Online (RBO) reported that the fast-food giant made the decision earlier than initially planned due to its subpar performance.
—Wkrc Staff, Baltimore Sun, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for subpar 
Chantz Martin, Fox News, 28 Sep. 2024
Much like the stock market as a whole, a successful investment portfolio typically has exceptional stocks that more than overcome the subpar returns of the duds.
—Bill Stone, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024
Since its launch in Canada two years ago, the streaming service has been offering audiophiles a premium alternative to the subpar sound of more mainstream American platforms.
—Ron Hart, SPIN, 29 Nov. 2024
Citing a message sent to operators last Friday, Restaurant Business Online (RBO) reported that the fast-food giant made the decision earlier than initially planned due to its subpar performance.
—Wkrc Staff, Baltimore Sun, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for subpar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subpar
Adjective
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Rangers: After winning the Presidents’ Trophy last year, the Rangers viewed a conference final loss to the eventual champions as an unacceptable result.Sean McIndoe, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
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Given how much aid the United States has already provided to Ukraine, there is not much room for Washington to expand the flow of arms quantitatively, and further qualitative increases would entail unacceptable escalation risks.Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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His role comes a year after a poor performance in his Madison Square Garden debut just eight games into his NBA career: 14 points on 4-of-14 shooting to go along with nine rebounds and a block.Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 25 Dec. 2024
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Visibility was poor because of the long shadows of winter morning.James Parker, The Atlantic, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.Kevin Fisher-Paulson, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 June 2021
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My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.Tim Neville, Outside Online, 23 Nov. 2020
Adjective
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And two, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with Chandler’s A-to-Z bookends!Bob Sassone, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024
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There’s nothing wrong with that New Year’s Eve drone show, or occasional other artistic and creative displays.New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Juventus need to sign a defender With Bremer and Cabal expected to miss the rest of the campaign, the Bianconeri backline has been struggling, the selection problems for Motta being made worse by the slight issues affecting both Danilo and the highly coveted Andrea Cambiaso.Adam Digby, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
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Their worst fears were confirmed when the mother and her kittens were killed, leaving only Evergreen unaccounted for.Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Iron deficiency can definitely cause symptoms—but many of them are so common that they could easily be attributed to other things like not drinking enough water, being deficient in Vitamin B12, or hormonal fluctuations.Christina Pérez, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024
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As professional practice and compelling television, the tactic is equally deficient.Alison Herman, Variety, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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That would be a terrible mistake, the Fienberg brothers argued in a Dec. 17 letter that addressed only Bowers’s federal death sentence.David Mark, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 22 Dec. 2024
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Leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for too long can lead to mold and mildew, which could permanently stain your clothes—and lead to terrible smells.Heather Bien, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Despite Fraser Forster making a couple of horrible mistakes in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United, then conceding six against Liverpool, the wisest move might be to sign a younger back-up goalkeeper for the long-term.Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
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Specifically, Trump often points to the horrible human costs of the war and indicates a desire to put an end to the fighting as soon as possible.Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near subpar
Cite this Entry
“Subpar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subpar. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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