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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Relevance
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of moderate
Brian Mastroianni, Health, 26 July 2025
Meanwhile, the Weather Prediction Center has placed an area that stretches roughly from Wichita to St. Joseph, including the Kansas City metro, under a moderate risk of excessive rainfall, the second-highest category indicating the likelihood of heavy rain causing flash flooding.
—Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
Averi Harper, ABC News, 26 June 2025
But to pay for the plan, Senate Republicans propose more aggressive reductions to Medicaid than those in the House bill—a move that has drawn resistance from some moderates.
—Jesus Mesa
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
David Ubben, New York Times, 25 July 2025
The area has easy to moderate hikes leading to views of Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell.
—Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Adjective
The American Heart Association recommends that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
—Brian Mastroianni, Health, 26 July 2025
Meanwhile, the Weather Prediction Center has placed an area that stretches roughly from Wichita to St. Joseph, including the Kansas City metro, under a moderate risk of excessive rainfall, the second-highest category indicating the likelihood of heavy rain causing flash flooding.
—Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
Noun
Democrats are torn between courting disillusioned moderates or doubling down on progressive ideals, between elevating new leaders or clinging to the old guard.
—Averi Harper, ABC News, 26 June 2025
But to pay for the plan, Senate Republicans propose more aggressive reductions to Medicaid than those in the House bill—a move that has drawn resistance from some moderates.
—Jesus Mesa
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
Verb
While every other coach fielded questions himself, the crush of media required a UNC official to moderate Belichick’s session, calling on reporters who peppered the coach with questions.
—David Ubben, New York Times, 25 July 2025
The area has easy to moderate hikes leading to views of Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell.
—Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moderate
Adjective
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Those individuals experienced up to an 8 percent additional drop in kidney function each year compared with those living in temperate climates.—
Nora Bradford,
Scientific American,
29 July 2025
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The list includes places like Malta, a five-island nation with terrific beaches, a temperate climate and low crime, and Belize, the only Central American country with English as its official language.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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And District 27 would capture much of the Coastal Bend and snake its way north and west and grab central Austin in a pincer grip.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
31 July 2025
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Seney, in the central UP, had a reading of 160, the highest measured in the state Wednesday morning.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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For example, a June 2024 publication in the RAND Health Quarterly described how drug prices in the U.S. were on average nearly three times higher than those in 33 other high-income countries.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
3 Aug. 2025
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On average last year, the economy added 168,000 jobs a month.—
Josh Boak,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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States in this region often attract retirees and place high in similar rankings due to their mild climates and tax-friendliness, as is the case in Florida.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
23 July 2025
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But a lot of the other strange things that happened in your body—things much more intense and unusual than a fever’s mild hallucinations—entirely escape the sieve of memory.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
Graham is a longtime senator who, while previously known as more of a centrist—and Trump critic—has become a staunch Trump advocate, and has already won the president’s endorsement in his 2026 reelection bid.—
Alison Durkee,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
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The party has been unable to come up with a coherent message after being routed by Trump and the Republicans in November, failing to satisfy centrists looking to moderate their image and leftists hoping to intensify their message.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
26 July 2025
Verb
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The folate in avocado also aids in controlling serotonin and dopamine levels, which can decrease risk of depression.—
Sheah Rarback,
Miami Herald,
31 July 2025
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The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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Several Republican members who spent years hyping up the Epstein case remained restrained in criticizing the White House's handling of the matter.—
John Parkinson,
ABC News,
24 July 2025
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This restrained color story feels fresh yet timeless.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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The median overtime pay for those rangers was $567.—
Maritza Dominguez,
AZCentral.com,
24 July 2025
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Analysts' price targets for the stock range from $4 to $9, according to MarketWatch, with a median target of $8.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Moderate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moderate. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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