moderate

adjective

mod·er·ate | \ ˈmä-d(ə-)rət

Definition of moderate

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : avoiding extremes of behavior or expression : observing reasonable limits a moderate drinker

b : calm, temperate Though very much in favor of the measure, he expressed himself in moderate language.

2a : tending toward the mean or average amount or dimension a family of moderate income

b : having average or less than average quality : mediocre wrote moderate poetry to the end of his life— Carl Van Doren

3 : not violent, severe, or intense a moderate climate moderate winters cook over moderate heat

4 : professing or characterized by political or social beliefs that are not extreme had left-wing, moderate, and right-wing candidates vying for the nomination

5 : limited in scope or effect His new wealth had only a moderate effect on his way of life.

6 : not expensive : reasonable or low in price a moderate price for a new house

7 of a color : of medium lightness and medium chroma a moderate red

moderate

verb

mod·er·ate | \ ˈmä-də-ˌrāt

moderated; moderating

Definition of moderate (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to lessen the intensity or extremeness of the sun moderated the chill

2 : to preside over or act as chairman 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

moderate

noun

mod·er·ate | \ ˈmä-d(ə-)rət

Definition of moderate (Entry 3 of 3)

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

Other Words from moderate Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about moderate

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Examples of moderate in a Sentence

Adjective

Her doctor recommended moderate exercise. There were moderate levels of chemicals in the lake. drinking moderate amounts of coffee Most of these medicines relieve mild to moderate pain. a family of moderate income a book of moderate length The group met with only moderate success. a writer of moderate talent The hotel offers comfortable rooms at moderate prices. Both moderate Democrats and moderate Republicans can agree on this new law.

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: Adjective

Biden, 76, has positioned himself as the moderate, establishment candidate. — Ari Natter, Fortune, "Can Joe Biden Beat Donald Trump in 2020?," 9 Sep. 2019 Many of the caucus’s more moderate members, whose districts are crucial to maintaining the Democrats’ majority, have not backed impeachment either. — Nicholas Fandos, BostonGlobe.com, "Democrats plan to broaden Trump impeachment inquiry to corruption accusations," 8 Sep. 2019 Many of the caucus’s more moderate members, whose districts are crucial to maintaining the Democrats’ majority, have not backed impeachment either. — Nicholas Fandos, New York Times, "Democrats to Broaden Impeachment Inquiry Into Trump to Corruption Accusations," 8 Sep. 2019 But that pact papers over numerous divisions among the ragtag group of moderate Conservatives and opposition lawmakers intent on stopping a no-deal Brexit. — Rob Picheta, CNN, "Boris Johnson had a torrid week. Now he's fighting to take back control," 8 Sep. 2019 Large breaking waves will likely result in moderate to significant beach erosion and ocean overwash along the coasts of Southeast Virginia and Northeast North Carolina, the National Weather Service said. — Sarah Brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Now that Hurricane Dorian hit the coast, what is it doing to Myrtle Beach, Outer Banks?," 6 Sep. 2019 As the former mayor of a city that serves as a gateway and service hub for the oil and natural gas-rich Eagle Ford Shale of South Texas, Castro has a more moderate view. — Sergio Chapa, Houston Chronicle, "Julian Castro: Fracking to be phased out in favor of renewables," 6 Sep. 2019 As the Democratic primary campaign heats up, with the third debate scheduled for Sept. 12, candidates have used the slogan to distinguish themselves as bold progressives, moderate pragmatists or, in some instances, a little of both. — Akilah Johnson, ProPublica, "Medicare-for-All Is Not Medicare, and Not Really for All. So What Does It Actually Mean?," 6 Sep. 2019 The school group seal walks These are popular three-mile moderate hikes for students over rolling sand dunes and gently sloping terrain. — Patrick May, The Mercury News, "Mark your calendars: Reservations available soon to visit elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park," 5 Sep. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

It will be moderated by the American Association of University Women of Connecticut and is being promoted by the League of Women Voters. — Kathleen Mcwilliams, courant.com, "Three candidate forums scheduled ahead of Middletown Democratic primary," 30 Aug. 2019 The debate will be moderated by George Stephanopoulos, David Muir, Linsey Davis, and Jorge Ramos. — Estelle Tang, Vogue, "What You Need to Know About the Third 2020 Democratic Primary Debate," 29 Aug. 2019 ABC News and Univision will host the debate, which will be moderated by George Stephanopoulos, David Muir, Linsey Davis and Jorge Ramos. — Madeleine Carlisle, Time, "Here's Who Has Qualified for the September Democratic Presidential Primary Debate — And Who Hasn't," 28 Aug. 2019 The discussion will be moderated by the Rock Hall’s chief curator Karen Herman and take place insider the Foster Theater on Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. Hunter, Goodman and Quinn will speak in-person and take part in a meet and greet. — cleveland.com, "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to roll out original MTV VJs for special event," 27 Aug. 2019 The meetings will be moderated by consultant HMMH Inc., a firm well-versed with airport noise issues that has not done any work for Hollywood Burbank before, Lammerding said. — Anthony Clark Carpio, Burbank Leader, "Hollywood Burbank official explains why a joint task force is needed to address noise issues," 23 Aug. 2019 That effect was somewhat moderated by the expectation of lower interest rates, which reduces borrowing costs. — Katia Dmitrieva, BostonGlobe.com, "US budget gap set to top $1 trillion in 2020, two years sooner than expected," 21 Aug. 2019 That effect was somewhat moderated by the expectation of lower interest rates, which reduces borrowing costs. — Katia Dmitrieva, Fortune, "America’s Budget Deficit Is Going Topping $1 Trillion Two Years Earlier Than Expected," 21 Aug. 2019 The conversation will be moderated by curator jill moniz. — Los Angeles Times, "Datebook: A group show marks five years of exhibitions at Park View / Paul Soto," 1 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

While the new Democratic majority is often seen as pushing the House leftward, many of the freshmen are actually moderates from districts won by Trump in 2016. — Lisa Mascaro, Anchorage Daily News, "House OKs $15 minimum wage, setting marker for 2020 campaign," 19 July 2019 While the new Democratic majority is often seen as pushing the House leftward, many of the freshmen are actually moderates from districts won by Trump in 2016. — Washington Post, "House OKs $15 minimum wage, setting marker for 2020 campaign," 18 July 2019 Compared with Ms Fernández, who defaulted on Argentina’s debt, Mr Fernández is a pragmatic moderate. — The Economist, "Argentina’s main presidential candidates are ignoring the biggest problems," 12 July 2019 There are moderates and there are extremists, and there are those who always seek the golden mean between the two. — Amos Oz, Harper's magazine, "Setting the World to Rights," 10 Apr. 2019 Peters, 59, is a pro-business moderate who has the unusual distinction for a Democrat of being endorsed by both the local and national chambers of commerce. — David Garrick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Congressional District 52: Democrat Peters facing six Republican challengers," 1 June 2018 Like Dudley, Buehler is a pro-choice social moderate and a fiscal conservative. — Jeff Manning, OregonLive.com, "Buehler beats back challenge from the right in GOP primary," 15 May 2018 That explosive growth was spurred by the administration of President Hasan Rouhani, a cleric who is a relative moderate within Iran’s system. — Jon Gambrell, The Seattle Times, "‘Halal’ internet means more control in Iran after unrest," 28 Jan. 2018 Sinema, who faced no serious opposition in the Democratic primary, embraced McCain’s legacy and focused on building a profile as an independent-minded moderate. — Washington Post, "McSally gets GOP primary challenger in Arizona Senate race," 28 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'moderate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

17 Sep 2019

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The first known use of moderate was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for moderate

moderate

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of moderate

(Entry 1 of 3)

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

: neither very good nor very bad

: not expensive : not too high in price

moderate

verb

English Language Learners Definition of moderate (Entry 2 of 3)

: to make (something) less harsh, strong, or severe or to become less harsh, strong, or severe

: to guide a discussion or direct a meeting that involves a group of people

moderate

noun

English Language Learners Definition of moderate (Entry 3 of 3)

: a person whose political ideas are not extreme : a person who has moderate opinions or is a member of a moderate political group

See the full definition for moderate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

moderate

adjective

mod·er·ate | \ ˈmä-də-rət

Kids Definition of moderate

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : neither too much nor too little moderate heat

2 : neither very good nor very bad moderate success

3 : not expensive : reasonable moderate rates

4 : not extreme or excessive a moderate point of view a moderate eater

moderate

verb

mod·er·ate | \ ˈmä-də-ˌrāt

moderated; moderating

Kids Definition of moderate (Entry 2 of 2)

: to make or become less extreme or severe

moderate

adjective

mod·er·ate | \ ˈmäd-(ə-)rət

Medical Definition of moderate

(Entry 1 of 2)

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