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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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as in temperance
an avoidance of extremes in one's actions, beliefs, or habits
the moderateness of their enthusiasm for my proposed outing suggested that they would rather do something else
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of moderate
Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2025
One in Florida offers low and moderate income residents up to $10,000.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2025
David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
But the hopes that moderates have harbored about Meloni are misplaced.
—Nathalie Tocci, Foreign Affairs, 26 Mar. 2025
Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
Actress, mental health advocate and former Peloton instructor Kendall Toole, who moderated the chat with Beckham, has also recently started taking the supplement.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Adjective
Newsom is reportedly eyeing a 2028 presidential run and has been accused of taking steps to recalibrate his image for a more moderate national electorate.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2025
One in Florida offers low and moderate income residents up to $10,000.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
When Democrats controlled the Senate during the Biden Administration, only the opposition of a pair of moderates—Manchin and the then senator Kyrsten Sinema—saved the filibuster from extinction.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
But the hopes that moderates have harbored about Meloni are misplaced.
—Nathalie Tocci, Foreign Affairs, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
For most people, peak bone mass occurs between ages 25 and 30 and, by age 40, most people are beginning to lose bone mass, though that rate of loss can be moderated by diet, exercise and good lifestyle habits.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
Actress, mental health advocate and former Peloton instructor Kendall Toole, who moderated the chat with Beckham, has also recently started taking the supplement.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moderate
Adjective
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Spanish canals operated in a temperate climate and were managed by individual farmers who could maintain or increase their water flow.—
Ari Caramanica,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2025
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In fact, the more temperate weather can be the best time to snuggle up outside, sit by a fire pit, and enjoy a new piece of outdoor furniture.—
Shea Simmons,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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The forthcoming rain was good news for crews battling a wildfire in central New Jersey that erupted on April 22 and has consumed 12,250 acres.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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The Southern Cross is rising in the southeast, about halfway up the sky with the long side of the central post pointing to the right (southwards).—
Jesse Emspak,
Space.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The experts predict the economy will nearly stall in 2025, growing 0.8%, down from their projection of 1.7% just last month, according to the average estimate of 46 economists surveyed by Wolters Kluwer Blue Chip Economic Indicators on April 4 and April 7.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2025
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Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. — Conerly has all the physical components to become a reliable starting offensive lineman, but his ability to anchor against power is slightly below average.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Note that there will be differences in heat levels and texture: Many brands make hot and mild varieties, and harissa can range from loose and sauce-like to thick and pasty.—
Sheela Prakash,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
17 Apr. 2025
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The adverse events were considered generally mild to moderate, according to the company, with upset stomach the most commonly reported.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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And the over-all number of abortions in the U.S. may eventually decrease as a result of Dobbs.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
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On the other hand, just 5 percent said tariffs would decrease prices in the short term, and 30 percent said the policy would lower prices in the long term.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Simmons' initial reaction to the insult was a bit more restrained than his typical unfiltered comments.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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This year, the prestigious but far more restrained perpetual calendar was the complication of choice.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The median sales price in the area is now $476,667, according to Zillow.—
Raisa Habersham,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
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In Lisbon, median real estate sales prices soared 62% from 2018 to 2024.—
Meehika Barua,
HubSpot,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Follow discipline with a calm, comforting debrief Debriefing conversations should be gentle and happen after everyone has calmed down.—
Caroline Fleck, Contributor,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2025
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When using a soothing, gentle and slightly higher-pitched voice, a dog will understand it as nonthreatening and reassuring.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Moderate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moderate. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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