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 One character’s storyline — that of 14-year-old character Kai (voiced by Chanel Stewart, who is transgender) underwent changes when Disney interceded and asked gender references be taken out. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2025 The court will intercede when the children are not safe. Jann Blackstone, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025 One character’s storyline — that of 14-year-old character Kai (voiced by Chanel Stewart, who is transgender) underwent changes when Disney interceded and asked gender references be taken out. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2025 As real-life danger threatens the brave young heroes, supernatural forces will intercede in their defense. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intercede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intercede
Verb
  • On June 7, four national coaching associations, including the USTFCCCA, issued a joint statement pleading for clarification around Title IX protections and student-athlete employment classification, calling for Congress to intervene.
    Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • To achieve denial against a peer adversary like China, the United States may need to clearly signal a readiness to intervene, in what would be a test of the American public's appetite for more war.
    John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • That allowed a returning Tonga Loa to interfere and nearly cost Fatu the match.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Salwa, the narrator, decides to interfere and starts a series of comic attempts to set them up.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intercede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intercede. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intercede

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