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

Examples of mediator in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

About a month later, one of two federal mediators assigned to the Starbucks talks was terminated by the Trump administration as part of sweeping cost-cutting actions that have raised concerns among unions and employers that rely on mediation to fend off strikes and settle labor disputes. —Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025

In Congo, where rebels backed by neighboring Rwanda have occupied a border area, U.S. mediators last week convinced both countries to agree in principle to seek a peace deal. —Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 2025

An Israeli source familiar with the matter told CNN that Israel has not received a new offer from the mediators for now. —Ibrahim Dahman, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025

Huckabee’s arrival comes at a pivotal time in the 18-month war, as international mediators including the U.S. are trying to get a broken ceasefire back on track. —Fatma Khaled, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mediator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

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