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

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
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
Both waived spousal support and agreed to equally split the legal fees of their negotiation, which was mediated by Laura Wasser. Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 22 Feb. 2025 Trump has repeatedly expressed an interest in mediating the ongoing negotiations to end the current schism in men's professional golf. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mediate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mediate
Adjective
  • Last year, Young played outdoor venues all across North America with his longtime band Crazy Horse, but the tour was called off at the halfway point.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Indiana lawmakers are on break this week, having made it to the halfway point of the legislative session.
    Arika Herron, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • A week later, the VA reinstated at least two of those employees, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a military veteran and Illinois Democrat who intervened on their behalf, tells TIME.
    Brian Bennett, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025
  • In the first case the Supreme Court has intervened in since the Trump administration moved to overhaul the federal government and make drastic budget cuts, Chief Justice John Roberts granted a stay and requested aid groups that sued the administration to respond by 12 noon Friday ET.
    Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Originally planted in the 1980s by Michael G. Etzel and now run by his middle son, a tasting here (by appointment only) is not just a slice of history but also provides context for what Willamette wines are all about.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • It was made clear that Zapata could not interfere in any way except for delivering a count or calling for the bell.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Five months after Donald Trump moved into the White House in 2017, a reporter asked Vladimir Putin about the allegations that Russia had interfered in U.S. elections.
    Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Investing in nonprofits and intermediary organizations for volunteer infrastructure, not just program impact, can help scale and increase efficiencies.
    Jennifer Sirangelo, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Additionally, bridge rounds remained common, particularly at the seed funding stage, though data suggests these intermediary funding rounds often serve as a warning sign – companies that raise bridge rounds are statistically less likely to secure their next primary round of startup funding.
    Kyle Westaway, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Jamari Stigler, 23, of Riverdale, and Diamond Taylor Harvey, 27, of Crown Point, were pronounced dead at 12:32 p.m. and 12:33 p.m., the medial examiner’s office said.
    Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Guards began to render medial aid and brought him to the medical personnel at the prison.
    Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • While the narrative element is still central to her work, two decades of creative refinement have produced a highly sophisticated, sculptural style that echoes her work as an artist.
    Kate Matthams, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Every detail aligned with the central motif of the rose—even the bag handles were accented with thorns.
    Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The median nightly price per person for a vacation rental in Avila Beach is $124, according to HomeToGo.
    Hannah Poukish, Sacramento Bee, 1 Mar. 2025
  • In 2023, the median price for a New York City slice was $3.24, according to journalist Liam Quigley.
    Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mediate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mediate. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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