1
as in temperate
avoiding extremes in behavior or expression
he was only a moderate drinker, generally stopping after a couple of glasses of wine
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2
as in central
avoiding major social change or extreme political ideas
the principal's moderate position on cell phones is that students can use them at school but only for emergencies
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3
as in average
being about midway between extremes of amount or size
a moderate snowfall was forecast for the region
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4
as in mild
marked by temperatures that are neither too high nor too low
a city that is celebrated for its moderate climate
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as in centrist
a person who holds moderate views
to the community's detriment, moderates were often shouted down at town meetings by the local hotheads
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as in to decrease
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
the wind began to moderate as the night wore on
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of moderate
Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 3 Jan. 2025
In recent years, researchers have drifted toward a more cautionary consensus: Even moderate drinking raises the odds, however slightly, that the drinker will contract a serious disease or die a violent death, a finding echoed in numerous studies.
—Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025
Stephen Neukam, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024
Trump’s uncompromising approach and refusal to broker dissent within his party has driven away moderates, leading most of the party’s top leaders to adopt MAGA populism.
—David Jackson, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
Cecilia Kang, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024
Rent increases, another headache for small businesses, also have moderated to 6% annually in November from 11% in July and 20% in early 2023, Bank of America figures show.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for moderate 
Adjective
From Phoenix to Flagstaff, it’s been a moderate winter so far with minimal precipitation.
—Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 3 Jan. 2025
In recent years, researchers have drifted toward a more cautionary consensus: Even moderate drinking raises the odds, however slightly, that the drinker will contract a serious disease or die a violent death, a finding echoed in numerous studies.
—Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025
Noun
The big picture: Jayapal and other progressives have argued the party should stop running to the center in general elections to better appeal to moderates and progressives.
—Stephen Neukam, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024
Trump’s uncompromising approach and refusal to broker dissent within his party has driven away moderates, leading most of the party’s top leaders to adopt MAGA populism.
—David Jackson, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
But tech policy experts said the threats of action could be enough to deter social media sites from heavily moderating content.
—Cecilia Kang, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024
Rent increases, another headache for small businesses, also have moderated to 6% annually in November from 11% in July and 20% in early 2023, Bank of America figures show.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for moderate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moderate
Adjective
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Nestled in the country’s southwest, Yunnan was known for its fertile valleys and temperate climate, ideal for growing rice and other staple crops.Scott Travers, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
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The fact that Spain is situated on a peninsula has blessed the country with a historically temperate climate.Umair Irfan, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Adjective
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In 2019, former members of the organization began to govern the new autonomous Bangsamoro region in central Mindanao, and the new region’s first elections are scheduled for May 2025.Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
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As area crews continue clearing snow off the streets from the weekend blizzard, Dennis Smith said his block in central Kansas City, Kansas, has not been touched at all.Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Cats have an average body temperature of around 100-102 degrees Fahrenheit, a little higher than ours, which is approximately 98.6 Fahrenheit.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
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To the average person, appreciating the elements that crowned Super Mario 64 a groundbreaking game back in 1996 requires at least some wandering around its world.Patricia Hernandez, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Creamy and oily on the palate with a fruity sweetness, a slight savory note, and a mild pepperiness.Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
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Shocking your taste buds with an electric salt spoon Kirin Holdings has unveiled an innovative electric salt spoon that uses a mild electrical current to enhance food flavor without adding sodium.Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Related article Europe’s centrists are flocking to the right on migration.Rob Picheta, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
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During this summer's elections, French voters flocked to the extremes, with the leftist coalition pulling ahead of Macron's centrists, and Le Pen's far right finishing a close third, giving her National Rally the largest share of seats in the party's history.Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
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By Friday, winds decrease as chances for a second round of snow increase.Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2025
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Depression risk further decreased for every additional 1,000 steps, with the lowest risk at 7,000 to 10,000 daily steps.Sarah Garone, Health, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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But Judge Declines to Impose Punishment General News How the L.A. Wildfires Are Becoming a Conspiracy-Theorists' Haven -- and a Political Weapon Locals long have prized Palm Beach for its restrained serenity.Beth Landman, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Jan. 2025
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On the other hand, every action, inaction and reaction remains uncannily familiar, making Chowdhury’s restrained approach feel like the right one.Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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What To Know The median monthly housing payment hit a record of $2,920 in 2024, rising 4.3 percent from 2023 and 86 percent from 2019, according to .Robert Thorpe, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025
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That’s the median home price in the Pacific Palisades, according to Redfin.Ty Roush, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near moderate
Cite this Entry
“Moderate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moderate. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.
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