MEDIATE Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'mediate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of mediate are intercede , interfere , interpose , and intervene . While all these words mean "to come or go between," mediate implies intervening between hostile factions. // mediated between the parties

Q: When could 'intercede' be used to replace 'mediate'?

The words intercede and mediate can be used in similar contexts, but intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness. // interceded on our behalf

Q: When would 'interfere' be a good substitute for 'mediate'?

The synonyms interfere and mediate are sometimes interchangeable, but interfere implies hindering. // noise interfered with my concentration

Q: When is it sensible to use 'interpose' instead of 'mediate'?

Although the words interpose and mediate have much in common, interpose often implies no more than this. // interposed herself between him and the door

Q: When can 'intervene' be used instead of 'mediate'?

While the synonyms intervene and mediate are close in meaning, 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

mediate 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmē-dē-ət

Definition of mediate next

as in halfway

occupying a position equally distant from the ends or extremes has a black-and-white view of human nature, believing that there is no mediate state between good and evil

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

mediate

2 of 2

verb

ˈmē-dē-ˌāt

as in to intervene

to act as a go-between for opposing sides their middle child is often asked to mediate between the oldest and the youngest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of mediate are intercede, interfere, interpose, and intervene. While all these words mean "to come or go between," mediate implies intervening between hostile factions.

mediated between the parties

When could intercede be used to replace mediate?

The words intercede and mediate can be used in similar contexts, but intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness.

interceded on our behalf

When would interfere be a good substitute for mediate?

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

noise interfered with my concentration

When is it sensible to use interpose instead of mediate?

Although the words interpose and mediate have much in common, interpose often implies no more than this.

interposed herself between him and the door

When can intervene be used instead of mediate?

While the synonyms intervene and mediate are close in meaning, 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

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 mediate

Adjective

To this day, the United States sits at the center of many of the international institutions that govern the global commons, mediate disputes, and facilitate free trade. —

Ryan Hass, Foreign Affairs, 24 Oct. 2023 Instead, Durand recommended schools train existing staff or security officers to de-escalate fights and mediate conflicts. —

Lauren Lumpkin, Washington Post, 31 May 2023

Verb

In declaring a ceasefire, Ukrainian troops would also be withdrawn from Kursk, and an International Peace Conference would commence its work to forge an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to end the war, to be mediated by other global powers. —

Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025 The first six-week phase of the deal, mediated by the U.S., Qatar and Egypt, took effect last weekend and is designed to see almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners swapped for 33 Israeli hostages, with women and children prioritized. —

Willem Marx, NPR, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for mediate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mediate

Adjective

Despite the hot streak, San Diego sits third in the Major Arena Soccer League, trailing first-place Chihuahua (13-2-0, 37 points) and second-place Baltimore (10-1-0, 29 points) as the regular season approaches the halfway point.

— Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025
Bottom line: At around the halfway point of the reporting period, the season may not be as positive as the headline numbers indicate.

— Fred Imbert, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2025