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

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

But kismet interceded when Diplo found himself in the studio with Teddy Park, who’s written dozens of hits for K-Pop acts including 2NE1 and BigBang, and who is the creative director and lead producer for BLACKPINK. —Katie Bain, Billboard, 23 July 2025

The Virgin Mary believed to be born without sin, is said to intercede for those who turn to her for help. —Jailynn Taylor, Essence, 11 June 2025