moderate

moderate

adjective

Definition of MODERATE

1

avoiding extremes in behavior or expression <he was only a moderate drinker, generally stopping after a couple of glasses of wine>

Synonyms temperate

Related Words controlled, curbed, disciplined, inhibited, restrained, self-controlled, self-denying, self-disciplined; calculated, deliberate, measured; levelheaded, rational, reasonable, sensible; average, mediocre, medium, modest, run-of-the-mill, run-of-the-mine (or run-of-mine), so-so; normal, ordinary, regular, routine, typical, usual

Near Antonyms excessive, extreme, inordinate, radical; irrational, unreasonable, unreasoning; extremist, fanatic (or fanatical), rabid; unbridled, unchecked, uncontrolled, unrestrained

Antonyms immoderate, intemperate

2

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 central, centrist, middle-of-the-road

Related Words conventional, nonrevolutionary, orthodox, traditional; levelheaded, rational, reasonable, sensible; neutral

Near Antonyms excessive; conservative, reactionary, rightist; leftist, liberal, progressive; fanatic (or fanatical), rabid, subversive, violent; agitating, exciting, fomenting, incendiary, inciting, inflammatory, instigating, provocative, provoking; rabble-rousing; dissenting

Antonyms extremist, radical, revolutionary, revolutionist, ultra

3

being about midway between extremes of amount or size <a moderate snowfall was forecast for the region>

Synonyms average, intermediate, mean, median, medium, middling, midsize (also midsized), moderate, modest

Related Words reasonable; common, commonplace, conventional, normal, popular, regular, routine, standard, typical, usual; adequate, passable, tolerable

Near Antonyms excessive, extreme; exceptional, rare, strange, uncommon, unusual; distinctive, idiosyncratic, special, unique; individual, peculiar, private

4

marked by temperatures that are neither too high nor too low <a city that is celebrated for its moderate climate>

Synonyms balmy, equable, genial, gentle, mild, moderate, soft, temperate

Related Words clear, cloudless, fair, rainless, sunny, sunshiny; calm, halcyon, peaceful, placid, tranquil; delightful, fine, pleasant

Near Antonyms blustering, blustery, breezy, gusty, rough, squally, stormy, windy; misty, rainy, showery; bleak, cloudy, dismal, foggy, gloomy, gray (also grey), hazy, overcast, sunless; bitter, dirty, foul, nasty, raw

Antonyms harsh, inclement, intemperate, severe