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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in average
being about midway between extremes of amount or size
a moderate snowfall was forecast for the region
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in mild
marked by temperatures that are neither too high nor too low
a city that is celebrated for its moderate climate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to decrease
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
the wind began to moderate as the night wore on
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in temperance
an avoidance of extremes in one's actions, beliefs, or habits
the kind of person who does everything in moderation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 moderate
Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 4 June 2025
More rain is expected this evening, according to the NWS, with some thunderstorms potentially producing moderate to heavy rainfall.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Christina Wilkie,erin Doherty, CNBC, 21 May 2025
Conservatives were also less likely than moderates and liberals to consult astrology for guidance, the survey found.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
The Learning Network, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Upbeat quarterly earnings results from tech giants such Meta Platforms and Microsoft in late April further reignited optimism in the AI trade because the companies showed no signs of moderating their capital expenditure plans.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Adjective
The police officer and Dodge passengers had minor to moderate injuries, and the Nissan occupants had severe injuries, according to the state patrol.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 4 June 2025
More rain is expected this evening, according to the NWS, with some thunderstorms potentially producing moderate to heavy rainfall.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Noun
The 8-4 vote to proceed out of committee was a victory for Republican leaders, who had spent the day making last-minute changes to the more than 1,000-page bill in an effort to win over both moderates and hardline conservatives.
—Christina Wilkie,erin Doherty, CNBC, 21 May 2025
Conservatives were also less likely than moderates and liberals to consult astrology for guidance, the survey found.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
Verb
All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.
—The Learning Network, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Upbeat quarterly earnings results from tech giants such Meta Platforms and Microsoft in late April further reignited optimism in the AI trade because the companies showed no signs of moderating their capital expenditure plans.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moderate
Adjective
-
Today, these ants primarily live in undisturbed and temperate eastern North American forests.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 May 2025
-
Best Time to Visit Locals know the fall and winter tend to be the best times to visit St. George Island for temperate weather, smaller crowds, and lower humidity.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
6 May 2025
Adjective
-
The incident's central command constantly receives progress reports from firefighters on the ground.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2025
-
Kansas City Public Libraries will share the history of how African Americans in Kansas City pursued freedom at the central library with local historian Erik Stafford on June 22.—
Zuri Primos,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
Above average temperatures will continue this weekend.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
15 June 2025
-
His ratings have been profitable 69% of the time, delivering an average return of 29.6%.—
TipRanks.com Staff,
CNBC,
15 June 2025
Adjective
-
Our tester’s hair has mild dandruff and became flake-free after consistent use.—
Kayla Blanton,
People.com,
5 June 2025
-
Refinements since then pushed the output to 300 hp and 365 lb-ft, offering a mild edge over the outgoing engine, but a new six-speed automatic replacing the old four-speed one meant the SUV could make better use of the grunt on hand.—
Will Sabel Courtney,
Robb Report,
5 June 2025
Verb
-
Several people are still unaccounted for, but the number of missing people has slowly decreased, a San Antonio Fire Department spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
14 June 2025
-
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,
14 June 2025
Adjective
-
The company expects ongoing cautious consumer behavior amid persistent inflation, leading to restrained discretionary spending, especially on high-ticket products.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
Wirtz, especially, can look awkward in Julian Nagelsmann’s team, and is used in a comparatively restrained way.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
The median income for suburban renters, at $42,500, lags significantly behind that of homeowners, who earn an average of over $86,000.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
-
For many workers, that target can be difficult to match, considering that median income for full-time workers in their 30s is roughly $60,000 to $70,000, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data for the first quarter of 2025.—
Mike Winters,
CNBC,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
What soon follows is a gradual, gentle introduction to a wide ensemble of characters with torrid histories — which is to say, falling-outs over drag show disagreements — as zombie mayhem slowly creeps in through the corners of the frame.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
10 June 2025
-
The finish is medium-length, clean, and refreshing with a lingering gentle warmth and a smooth aftertaste.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Moderate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moderate. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share