mediator

noun

me·​di·​a·​tor ˈmē-dē-ˌā-tər 

1

: one that mediates

especially : one that mediates between parties at variance

2

: a mediating agent in a physical, chemical, or biological process

Synonyms

• broker
• buffer
• conciliator
• go-between
• honest broker
• interceder
• intercessor
• intermediary
• intermediate
• interposer
• middleman
• peacemaker

Example Sentences

if you two cannot resolve this argument on your own, we'll have to bring in a mediator

Recent Examples on the Web

Washington attorney Kenneth Feinberg, a renowned mediator known for overseeing the compensation fund for 9/11 victims, was tapped to lead the negotiations. —Holly Bailey, Washington Post, 6 Jan. 2023

The United States and the European Union, which had once played a balancing role in the South Caucasus, effectively pulled back from active diplomacy and let Russia act as the sole mediator. —Lara Setrakian, CNN, 5 Jan. 2023

Both sides will meet to hammer out details about the mediation process, and must agree on a mediator and a timeline. —Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2022

Encouraged by a mediator, the school board gave in to student demands. —Dallas News, 1 Dec. 2022

Last week, both sides agreed to bring in an independent mediator, Darrell Steinberg, the mayor of Sacramento and former leader of the state senate. —Douglas Belkin, WSJ, 17 Dec. 2022

Britt Reid’s criminal case was first heard by a mediator, a common approach to settling civil suits such as divorces but one that is rarely used in criminal cases, according to a spokesman for the Jackson County court system. —Joe Drape, New York Times, 1 Nov. 2022

The Akron Municipal Court will use $425,000 in grant money to hire a mediator, a project manager and a technical analyst. —cleveland, 24 Oct. 2022

But word from Washington, so often the mediator in the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, will be seen as significant. —Alexander Smith, NBC News, 4 July 2022

See More

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

mediator

noun

me·​di·​a·​tor ˈmēd-ē-ˌāt-ər 

: one that mediates

mediatory

-ē-ə-ˌtōr-ē

-ˌtȯr-

adjective

Medical Definition

mediator

noun

me·​di·​a·​tor ˈmēd-ē-ˌāt-ər 

: one that mediates

especially : a mediating agent (as an enzyme or hormone) in a chemical or biological process

substance P, a neuropeptide mediator of analgesic stimuli in peripheral sensory nerves

—D. R. Robinson

Legal Definition

mediator

noun

me·​di·​a·​tor ˈmē-dē-ˌā-tər 

: one that works to effect reconciliation, settlement, or compromise between parties at variance compare arbitrator