intermediary

1 of 2

noun

in·​ter·​me·​di·​ary ˌin-tər-ˈmē-dē-ˌer-ē How to pronounce intermediary (audio)
plural intermediaries
1
2
: an intermediate form, product, or stage

intermediary

2 of 2

adjective

1
2
: acting as a mediator
an intermediary agent
an intermediary particle

Did you know?

Since inter- means "between, among", an intermediary is someone who moves back and forth in the middle area between two sides—a "go-between". Mediator (which shares the medi- root) is often a synonym, and so is facilitator; broker and agent are often others. Thus, a real-estate broker or agent shuttles between a house's buyer and seller, who may never even meet each other. Financial intermediation is what happens when you put money in a bank or investment firm, which then invests it in various companies; if you want, you can instead cut out the intermediary and invest the money directly in companies of your own choosing.

Examples of intermediary in a Sentence

Noun He served as an intermediary between the workers and the executives. in the past he's served as an intermediary in several hostage situations Adjective the bridal couple were regally ensconced in intermediary seats at the head table
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
The shift is subtle but seismic: AI bots and agents are intermediaries, sometimes gatekeepers, determining what information is surfaced. Adrien Menard, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025 The programs initiated in 2022 marked the first time grassroots organizations could apply for federal community violence prevention funding directly, without going through law enforcement or state intermediaries, according to three former DOJ officials. Bianca Flowers, USA Today, 29 July 2025
Adjective
No Need For Hardware Codec With the new feature, there’s no need for any intermediary software, complex setups or a hardware codec. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025 The focus area can be set from a small flexible spot (adjusted via the rear joystick) to the full image area with plenty of intermediary options. PC Magazine, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for intermediary

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1791, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1777, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intermediary was in 1777

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intermediary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intermediary. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

intermediary

adjective
in·​ter·​me·​di·​ary
ˌint-ər-ˈmēd-ē-ˌer-ē
1
: intermediate
an intermediary stage
2
: acting as a mediator
intermediary agent
intermediary noun

Medical Definition

intermediary

noun
in·​ter·​me·​di·​ary ˌint-ər-ˈmēd-ē-ˌer-ē How to pronounce intermediary (audio)
plural intermediaries
1
2
: an intermediate form, product, or stage
intermediary adjective

Legal Definition

intermediary

noun
in·​ter·​me·​di·​ary
ˌin-tər-ˈmē-dē-ˌer-ē
plural intermediaries
: one that acts as a means or go-between in a matter involving other parties
a reinsurance intermediary
see also learned intermediary
intermediary adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on intermediary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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