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

Like a modern Odysseus, they are beset by fate to wander and suffer, but the gods will always intercede to help them out with a convenient flood or unlikely coincidence. — Literary Hub, 30 June 2026

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told The Associated Press in March that Turkey had interceded to defuse the tensions. — ABC News, 28 June 2026

Packwood took the case to federal court and lost, ending when Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist refused the senator’s request for the high court to intercede. — Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026

Also, if a player is shown a yellow or red card for an infraction committed by another player, VAR may intercede to make sure it’s given to the correct player. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026