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

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

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

Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who had been helping mediate talks, said negotiations were ongoing and making progress. — Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 7 Mar. 2026 His involvement with Habitat for Humanity, and his work around the world to eradicate disease, mediate conflict and monitor elections all give testament to a godly life lived well. — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 1 Jan. 2026

Verb

The Gryffindor and Slytherin maintain a traditional rivalry, the Ravenclaw nerds out about magical history and the Hufflepuff attempts to mediate them all. — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 Instead, the connection between presidents and average citizens was mediated through political parties, the press and eventually through broadcast media. — Peter Kastor, Fortune, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mediate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mediate

Adjective

The 26-year-old information technology administrator consumed a Red Bull energy drink around the film's halfway mark to stay alert.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 July 2026
The Pirates are 9 1/2 games behind the National League Central Division leading Milwaukee Brewers – but only two games out of a playoff spot at the halfway point in the season.

— Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of halfway

Adjective

What’s wired is putting your backing behind Zaza, the middle child.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 July 2026
When middle-sixers such as Kiefer Sherwood and Bobby McMann are getting that for their declining years, a legit needle-mover such as Blake should add a ton of surplus value above that.

— Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of middle

Verb

Charlotte Flair and Chelsea Green both qualified on television, Green over Kiana James and Flair over Nia Jax by disqualification after Jade Cargill interfered.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Intelligence agencies assessed in 2021 that China and other foreign countries did not try to interfere in technical aspects of the 2020 election, including voter registration processes.

— Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 30 July 2026

Definition of interfere

Adjective

If you have been bitten or scratched by any stray animals or an animal suspected to have rabies, seek medial care immediately and let your provider know about the possible exposure.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 13 July 2026
So, medial epicondylitis or golfer’s elbow is, voilà, inflammation of the medial epicondyle.

— Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Definition of medial

Adjective

During nine years as Manchester mayor, Burnham was praised standing up to central government on behalf of a proud, battle-scarred northern city that gave birth to the Industrial Revolution, movements for social change and a dynamic music scene.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
With the Chiron retrograde entering Taurus this month, your sense of self-worth will be a central focus, Aries.

— Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of central

Adjective

Single mothers often operate like CEOs of high-stakes enterprises, managing income, risk, and capital with no margin for error due to structural disadvantages like lower median income and exorbitant childcare costs.

— Kristin Vance Richards, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
The median household income is $20,000 below the national median, and thousands of jobs have been cut as mining operations close.

— Elijah TanAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026

Definition of median

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“Mediate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mediate. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of mediate

adjective

verb

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