Synonyms of intervene

intervene

verb

ˌin-tər-ˈvēn 

as in to interfere

to act as a go-between for opposing sides

intervened in the argument before any real harm was done

Synonyms & Similar Words

• interfere
• intercede
• mediate
• intermediate
• interpose
• negotiate
• meddle
• arbitrate
• intrude
• pry
• invade
• moderate
• referee
• break (in)
• cut in
• obtrude
• trespass
• bother
• butt in
• snoop
• infringe
• chime in
• barge (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• avoid
• stand by
• ignore
• shun
• disregard
• overlook
• eschew

Synonym Chooser

How is the word intervene different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of intervene are intercede, interfere, interpose, and mediate. While all these words mean "to come or go between," intervene may imply an occurring in space or time between two things or a stepping in to stop a conflict.

quarreled until the manager intervened

When might intercede be a better fit than intervene?

While the synonyms intercede and intervene are close in meaning, intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness.

interceded on our behalf

When is interfere a more appropriate choice than intervene?

The synonyms interfere and intervene are sometimes interchangeable, but interfere implies hindering.

noise interfered with my concentration

In what contexts can interpose take the place of intervene?

The meanings of interpose and intervene largely overlap; however, interpose often implies no more than this.

interposed herself between him and the door

When can mediate be used instead of intervene?

The words mediate and intervene can be used in similar contexts, but mediate implies intervening between hostile factions.

mediated between the parties

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of intervene

Trump, who had been watching the exchange unfold like a spectator at a tennis match, finally leaned forward and intervened. —William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025

The Trump administration initially attempted to expedite Dellinger’s case by asking the Supreme Court to intervene in it, but the high court declined to weigh in right away. —Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Mar. 2025

The decision from the high court ends a pause Chief Justice John Roberts issued last week to allow the high court time to more fully consider a request from the Trump administration to intervene in the ongoing court battle over a 90-day pause on foreign assistance funds. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2025

The suspects fled the area on their bicycles southbound on Carrillo Drive after witnesses attempted to intervene, police said. —Landon Mion, Fox News, 27 Feb. 2025