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 Other employees responded to the altercation and attempted to intercede before Scott swung the bat at them, according to reports. Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026 Instead, the governor interceded and essentially cut Peters’ sentence in half. Mark Barabak, Mercury News, 28 May 2026 Then Eddie Olczyk decided to intercede. Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 21 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for intercede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intercede
Verb
  • Mayor Vi Lyles, who plans to resign as soon as an appointment is made, rarely intervenes when discussion goes awry and often loses track of motions.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 June 2026
  • What would happen when Denmark—which maintained authority over Greenlandic security—could no longer intervene?
    Ben Taub, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Making decisions that are the prerogative of grieving family members usually gets you in trouble; refraining from interfering does not.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 11 June 2026
  • The Department of Justice had at one point investigated whether Pulte and his team were interfering in ongoing investigations.
    Lauren Peller, ABC News, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Intercede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intercede. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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