Synonyms of intervene

intervene

verb

ˌin-tər-ˈvēn 

as in to interfere

to act as a go-between for opposing sides

intervened in the argument before any real harm was done

Synonyms & Similar Words

• interfere
• intercede
• mediate
• intermediate
• interpose
• negotiate
• meddle
• arbitrate
• intrude
• pry
• invade
• moderate
• referee
• break (in)
• cut in
• obtrude
• trespass
• bother
• butt in
• snoop
• infringe
• chime in
• barge (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• avoid
• stand by
• ignore
• shun
• disregard
• overlook
• eschew

Synonym Chooser

How is the word intervene different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of intervene are intercede, interfere, interpose, and mediate. While all these words mean "to come or go between," intervene may imply an occurring in space or time between two things or a stepping in to stop a conflict.

quarreled until the manager intervened

When might intercede be a better fit than intervene?

While the synonyms intercede and intervene are close in meaning, intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness.

interceded on our behalf

When is interfere a more appropriate choice than intervene?

The synonyms interfere and intervene are sometimes interchangeable, but interfere implies hindering.

noise interfered with my concentration

In what contexts can interpose take the place of intervene?

The meanings of interpose and intervene largely overlap; however, interpose often implies no more than this.

interposed herself between him and the door

When can mediate be used instead of intervene?

The words mediate and intervene can be used in similar contexts, but mediate implies intervening between hostile factions.

mediated between the parties

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of intervene

When a child adopts troubling behaviors, values, or attitudes, the typical instinct for caregivers is to intervene. —Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025

In Mississippi, where an age-verification law passed and was upheld after the Supreme Court declined to intervene, social media app Bluesky blocked access to the entire state, calling the legislation a financial risk to smaller apps. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2025

Three men intervened, preventing Agba from taking the child away from Montano. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025

Still, many other states are sticking with fiber, which has prompted SpaceX to call for the Commerce Department to intervene. —PC Magazine, 2 Sep. 2025