Definition of intercedenext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of intercede are interfere, interpose, intervene, and mediate. While all these words mean "to come or go between," intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness.

interceded on our behalf

When could interfere be used to replace intercede?

While the synonyms interfere and intercede are close in meaning, interfere implies hindering.

noise interfered with my concentration

When is it sensible to use interpose instead of intercede?

While in some cases nearly identical to intercede, interpose often implies no more than this.

interposed herself between him and the door

When would intervene be a good substitute for intercede?

The meanings of intervene and intercede largely overlap; however, 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 can mediate be used instead of intercede?

The words mediate and intercede are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mediate implies intervening between hostile factions.

mediated between the parties

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of intercede Once again, however, the Supreme Court interceded. Dan Walters, Oc Register, 14 Oct. 2025 However, almost all of the respondents who agreed with this statement envisioned the National Guard interceding nonviolently to stop violent protests and riots. Ryan Kennedy, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2025 Once again, however, the Supreme Court interceded. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 11 Oct. 2025 Despite Son King’s being openly ridiculed, the coaches did not intercede to help him, the papers say. Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intercede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intercede
Verb
  • Over the intervening 25 years, the landscape across an 18,000-square-mile expanse, larger than the state of Maryland, has undergone an extensive reshaping.
    Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Sort of small arms warfare, where they were harassed for months in one of these sad situations where the cops wouldn’t intervene.
    Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Campos and her colleagues stress that their role is strictly observational — never to interfere.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • In May 2025, an individual was arrested at the Phelps Street home on drug possession, criminal trespass and interfering charges, according to the warrant affidavit.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Intercede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intercede. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on intercede

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