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as in to interrupt
to cause a disruption in a conversation or discussion I hate to interpose, but could you tell me what you meant by that last remark?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of interpose are intercede, interfere, intervene, and mediate. While all these words mean "to come or go between," interpose often implies no more than this.

interposed herself between him and the door

When could intercede be used to replace interpose?

While in some cases nearly identical to interpose, intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness.

interceded on our behalf

When is it sensible to use interfere instead of interpose?

The words interfere and interpose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, interfere implies hindering.

noise interfered with my concentration

When would intervene be a good substitute for interpose?

The synonyms intervene and interpose are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Where would mediate be a reasonable alternative to interpose?

The meanings of mediate and interpose largely overlap; however, mediate implies intervening between hostile factions.

mediated between the parties

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 interpose Other ads feature images of Harris and VP candidate Tim Walz interposed with post-apocalyptic scenes, and pictures of Walz and President Biden mashed up with images of prescription drugs spilling out of bottles. Emily Baker-White, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Such a note, seemingly interposed at random, echoes Whitman and DeFeo. David L. Ulin, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2023 Just this past weekend, a top campaign staffer reshared a video with an image of DeSantis, a Nazi symbol interposed over the Florida flag, and soldiers on the march. Adrienne Mahsa Varkiani, The New Republic, 25 July 2023 These use a proton-conducting polymer membrane as the electrolyte interposed between the fuel and oxidizer to help shuttle electric charge within the fuel cell. IEEE Spectrum, 14 June 2023 Biden was taking a harder line with Putin, but when the two met earlier in the summer and Zelensky tried to interpose on the summit with dire warnings about the war, he was ignored. New York Times, 16 Jan. 2022 With a mask interposed close to the healthy hamsters (the equivalent of a healthy person wearing a mask), one-third were. The Economist, 28 May 2020 One clever way to avoid the restrictions of being at home, isolated — Kate and Aidy are both being interposed onto different grocery store setting backdrops. Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 26 Apr. 2020 The female-centric video showcases vintage footage of women interposed with kaleidoscopic effects and shots of the band singing in various costumes. Danielle Garrand, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpose
Verb
  • On June 7, four national coaching associations, including the USTFCCCA, issued a joint statement pleading for clarification around Title IX protections and student-athlete employment classification, calling for Congress to intervene.
    Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • For now, the self-driving cabs come equipped with a safety monitor in the passenger seat ready to intervene, as well as internal systems that prevent the cars from traveling outside a narrow portion of the city.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Explore Ed Sheeran See latest videos, charts and news Varnes began his audition with an original song on acoustic guitar, but was quickly interrupted by judge Simon Cowell.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 18 June 2025
  • After arriving at the senator's street and parking, the suspect was interrupted by a New Hope police officer who was sent to the house as a precautionary measure.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Then, in 2020, with Adams freshly inserted as general manager, the Sabres signed Reinhart to a one-year contract that walked him to free agency.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Once inserted into an arm, the sensor allows the wearer to monitor their blood-sugar levels on a phone app for $80 to $184 a month.
    Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Any hint that Iran might interfere there—for example, with drone activity, military drills, or even underwater mines—sends traders scrambling.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • Cid also said that Bolsonaro refused to interfere regarding camps by supporters that were set up in front of army facilities calling for a military intervention after the then-president lost the election.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • One bill has passed in the House and two bills have been introduced in the Senate.
    Quil Lawrence, NPR, 19 June 2025
  • Sen Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, moved to limit Trump's powers by introducing a floor resolution that would require approval from Congress before the U.S. could get involved in a military conflict with Iran.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Interpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpose. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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