Definition of intercedenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word intercede different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of intercede are interfere, interpose, intervene, and mediate. While all these words mean "to come or go between," intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness.

interceded on our behalf

When could interfere be used to replace intercede?

While the synonyms interfere and intercede are close in meaning, interfere implies hindering.

noise interfered with my concentration

When is it sensible to use interpose instead of intercede?

While in some cases nearly identical to intercede, interpose often implies no more than this.

interposed herself between him and the door

When would intervene be a good substitute for intercede?

The meanings of intervene and intercede largely overlap; however, 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

When can mediate be used instead of intercede?

The words mediate and intercede are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mediate implies intervening between hostile factions.

mediated between the parties

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 intercede Also, if a player is shown a yellow or red card for an infraction committed by another player, VAR may intercede to make sure it’s given to the correct player. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026 And previous reports had indicated that Voight had also tried to intercede with his daughter and grandchildren on Pitt’s behalf. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 June 2026 Catholics may venerate saints and ask them to intercede with God on their behalf. Bridget Retzloff, The Conversation, 2 June 2026 Other employees responded to the altercation and attempted to intercede before Scott swung the bat at them, according to reports. Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for intercede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intercede
Verb
  • Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina head coach, attempted to intervene.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Each resident should have a care plan, and homes should train staff to be alert to a resident's triggers and intervene quickly, dementia specialists say.
    Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • Sami interfered in the match and the referee called for the bell.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • The intelligence community had previously said that several foreign actors, including China, sought to interfere in the 2020 election but that there was no evidence of those efforts successfully changing the outcome.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Intercede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intercede. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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