moderate

1 of 2

verb

mod·​er·​ate ˈmä-də-ˌrāt 

moderated; moderating

transitive verb

1

: to lessen the intensity or extremeness of

The sun moderated the chill.

2

: to preside over or act as chairperson of

moderated the board of directors meeting

moderated the debate

intransitive verb

1

: to act as a moderator

He moderated on a weekly panel show.

2

: to become less violent, severe, or intense

The wind began to moderate.

moderation

ˌmä-də-ˈrā-shən 

noun

moderate

2 of 2

noun

mod·​er·​ate ˈmä-d(ə-)rət 

: one who holds moderate views or who belongs to a group favoring a moderate course or program

Synonyms of moderate

Verb

• decrease
• diminish
• subside
• decline
• ease

Noun

• centrist
• middle-of-the-roader

Examples of moderate in a Sentence

Verb

The protesters have been unwilling to moderate their demands.

She moderates at our office meetings.

She moderates our discussions so that we don't argue or talk at the same time.

Noun

Moderates from both political parties have agreed on an economic plan.

to the community's detriment, moderates were often shouted down at town meetings by the local hotheads

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Studiously moderated, but excited, voices amplified news of the actual invasion of Europe read hastily in Orlando Morning Sentinel. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2026

The impact could spark minor to moderate (G1 to G2) geomagnetic storm conditions initially, and possibly ramp up to strong (G3) levels, resulting in impressive auroras. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 8 June 2026

Noun

But in every era of conflict, some well-meaning moderates have enabled bad-faith censors by conflating confrontational speech with the violence that sometimes answers it. —Rob Wolfe, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026

Kiley greatly outraised his opponents on the campaign finance front, and sought to emphasize his qualities as a political moderate who at times broke with the Republican Party. —Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

and Noun

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1648, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing moderate

• moderate breeze
• moderate gale

Rhymes for moderate

• immoderate

Kids Definition

moderate

1 of 3 adjective

mod·​er·​ate ˈmäd-(ə-)rət 

1

a

: avoiding or lacking extremes (as in behavior or temperature)

a moderate eater

moderate climates

b

: calm entry 3 sense 2, reasonable

moderate demands

2

a

: neither very much nor very little : average in size or amount

a moderate rain

b

: neither very good nor very bad

met with only moderate success

3

: opposed to major social change or extreme political ideas

a moderate candidate

4

: not expensive : reasonable or low in price

moderate rates

moderately adverb

moderateness noun

moderate

2 of 3 verb

mod·​er·​ate ˈmäd-ə-ˌrāt 

moderated; moderating

1

: to make or become less violent, severe, or intense

2

: to guide a discussion or act as chairperson of a meeting

moderate

3 of 3 noun

mod·​er·​ate ˈmäd-(ə-)rət 

: one who holds moderate views or belongs to a moderate group (as in politics)

Medical Definition

moderate

1 of 2 adjective

mod·​er·​ate ˈmäd-(ə-)rət 

1

: avoiding extremes of behavior : observing reasonable limits

a moderate drinker

2

: not severe in effect or degree

moderate alcohol consumption

the abdomen was mildly distended with moderate tenderness

—Timothy Melester et al.

moderate developmental disabilities

moderate

2 of 2 transitive verb

mod·​er·​ate ˈmäd-ə-ˌrāt 

moderated; moderating

: to reduce the speed or energy of (neutrons)

moderation

ˌmäd-ə-ˈrā-shən 

noun