Synonyms of intercede

intercede

verb

ˌin-tər-ˈsēd 

as in to intervene

to act as a go-between for opposing sides

asked an old friend of the family to intercede in the bitter dispute over the inheritance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of intercede

Blumenthal appeared at a press conference for Rihan April 10 and has interceded both for Rihan and his father when he was detained. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2026

In The Pitt’s enlightened universe, doctors are not just trustworthy but saintly, ever ready to intercede for you and me. —Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026

Young courtesan wannabe Gigi (Leslie Caron) and Parisian playboy Gaston (Louis Jourdan) see each other as just friends, until romance intercedes in the musical confection. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026

After Penelope interceded, Odysseus strung the bow easily and completed the task. —Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Mar. 2026