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 So Joan and company have taken it upon themselves to intercede. Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Sep. 2025 The woman, who doctors said had a low chance of survival, was said to have healed miraculously after praying for Acutis to intercede, according to Vatican News. Lauren Costantino september 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025 Some accounts of enslaved life recall people crying into pots in despair, which may have been a way of asking the pot’s spirit to intercede: to plead to God on the weeper’s behalf. Danielle Amir Jackson, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025 After the news surfaced, Erika Hilton, a trans Brazilian politician, urged the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intercede on behalf of Barbosa, fearing for her safety and calling the arrest suspicious and violent, according to a translation. Mikelle Street, Them., 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intercede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intercede
Verb
  • When approached to intervene, brands default to the position that their hands are tied, pointing to the union’s lack of legal status and MoLVT conciliation notes that side with the employer.
    Sourcing Journal, Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025
  • When protesters fail to comply with legal restrictions, such as evoking violence, law enforcement can intervene, the ACLU website says.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But Colorado has interfered in those discussions.
    Megan Schrader, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025
  • This Ministry frequently interferes in employers’ decisions, instigates acts of discrimination by authorities and organizations, brings weight to bear on the organs of justice and even orchestrates propaganda campaigns in the media.
    Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intercede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intercede. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intercede

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