mediate 1 of 2

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

mediate

2 of 2

verb

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

Examples 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
But this time, in addition to claiming the mantle of defender of the global economic system, Xi may aim to position China, however implausibly, as a mediating party to the current conflicts in the Middle East and Europe. Rush Doshi, Foreign Affairs, 29 Nov. 2024 The United States, which is mediating between Israel and Lebanon in the current conflict, believes a return to the principles of the resolution is in the interest of both parties, but has insisted on a mechanism to enforce it more strictly. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mediate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mediate
Adjective
  • Instead, somber faces walked, one by one, Thursday morning toward the oak tree planted along a sidewalk at the halfway mark of the annual Piedmont Turkey Trot.
    Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 28 Nov. 2024
  • These boots reach the halfway mark between the height of the classic and mini boots at 5 inches tall, pairing well with everything from comfortable leggings and joggers — the latter being actress Jennifer Lawrence’s pants choice, paired with a white tee and tan bag.
    Alyssa Brascia, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • When Assad’s regime appeared near collapse in 2015, Russia intervened by sending in fighter planes while Iran provided ground forces.
    Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Sonya Winner, senior counsel at the law firm Covington & Burling, which is representing the Family Violence Appellate Project, argued that the state’s high court needs to intervene to address the situation.
    Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Two roomy compartments, a zippered middle section, and a small pocket under the front clasp mean plenty of storage options to divide up essentials like a wallet and keys and makeup or perfume.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2024
  • For her glam, Paltrow styled her hair sleek and straight with a middle part.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Neither the attorney general nor my office interfered nor influenced that process.
    Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024
  • That may be because such costs are difficult for a president to control without interfering in the free market, even as Trump hammered President Joe Biden on the issue.
    Sam Woodward, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This step can also serve as an intermediary one before becoming estranged.
    Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 5 Sep. 2024
  • Washington should ramp up the enforcement of sanctions on Iranian oil exports, including by raising pressure on intermediary states.
    Eric Brewer, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2023
Adjective
  • But the reality remains that after taking a platelet-rich-plasma injection for the medial tendinitis in his right foot on March 15, the plan, according to a source familiar with the approach, was a week off, followed by a two-week ramp up.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2024
  • The rules proposed by two state departments would have required the psychiatrists, endocrinologists and medial ethicists to have roles in creating gender-affirming care plans for clinics and hospitals.
    Hannah Schoenbaum, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2024
Adjective
  • As Butler — the third Black woman to serve in the Senate — leaves public office, the identity politics that were central to her rise are now under scrutiny by Democrats, who are working to understand their devastating losses in this year’s election.
    Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 8 Dec. 2024
  • But Cuba has been central to Rubio’s long climb from city commissioner in West Miami to state representative to US senator to Republican presidential candidate to now being selected for secretary of state.
    Patrick Oppmann, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Over the past century, the median new home build has more than doubled in size, from just over 1k sq. ft. to nearly 2.5k sq. ft.
    Zachary Crockett, thehustle.co, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The company reports that the median user interaction lasts 60 seconds.
    Spencer Dorn, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near mediate

Cite this Entry

“Mediate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mediate. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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