Definition of interposenext
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as in to interrupt
to cause a disruption in a conversation or discussion I hate to interpose, but could you tell me what you meant by that last remark?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word interpose different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of interpose are intercede, interfere, intervene, and mediate. While all these words mean "to come or go between," interpose often implies no more than this.

interposed herself between him and the door

When could intercede be used to replace interpose?

While in some cases nearly identical to interpose, intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness.

interceded on our behalf

When is it sensible to use interfere instead of interpose?

The words interfere and interpose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, interfere implies hindering.

noise interfered with my concentration

When would intervene be a good substitute for interpose?

The synonyms intervene and interpose are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Where would mediate be a reasonable alternative to interpose?

The meanings of mediate and interpose largely overlap; however, 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 interpose Reading more non-fiction like Rental Person Who Does Nothing by Shoji Morimoto reminded me how many forms books can takes with its short vignettes interposed with images. Literary Hub, 5 Jan. 2026 Nathan sought to interpose himself in sensitive deals despite his lack of experience. Sam Knight, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 Other ads feature images of Harris and VP candidate Tim Walz interposed with post-apocalyptic scenes, and pictures of Walz and President Biden mashed up with images of prescription drugs spilling out of bottles. Emily Baker-White, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Such a note, seemingly interposed at random, echoes Whitman and DeFeo. David L. Ulin, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2023 Just this past weekend, a top campaign staffer reshared a video with an image of DeSantis, a Nazi symbol interposed over the Florida flag, and soldiers on the march. Adrienne Mahsa Varkiani, The New Republic, 25 July 2023 These use a proton-conducting polymer membrane as the electrolyte interposed between the fuel and oxidizer to help shuttle electric charge within the fuel cell. IEEE Spectrum, 14 June 2023 Biden was taking a harder line with Putin, but when the two met earlier in the summer and Zelensky tried to interpose on the summit with dire warnings about the war, he was ignored. New York Times, 16 Jan. 2022 With a mask interposed close to the healthy hamsters (the equivalent of a healthy person wearing a mask), one-third were. The Economist, 28 May 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpose
Verb
  • These are similar to a robotaxi, but with remote control capabilities, allowing for human operators to intervene if necessary.
    Laurie Winkless, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • At a Monday night news conference, Miami Gardens Police Chief Delma Noel-Pratt confirmed that the ongoing investigation shows security guards may have seen the suspect enter campus and follow the victim, but did not intervene.
    Anna McAllister, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • During a 37-minute speech that was interrupted by applause more than 30 times, Lamont covered a wide variety of topics.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Trump interrupted the reporter and immediately went on the attack.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Oulonger 12-Pack In-Ground Solar Pathway Lights These solar lawn lights also have a stake, and can be easily inserted into the ground so that the actual light is level with the lawn surface.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The rookie, who turned 20 last week, is enjoying an excellent season and has at least inserted his name into the Calder Trophy finalist conversation alongside Matthew Schaefer, the New York Islanders’ fantastic 18-year-old defenseman.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • And all the while, our gutless politicians watch from the sidelines so as to not interfere and risk angering their party.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The match ended in disqualification after Finn Balor interfered.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Takaichi had earlier laid out a record $783 billion budget for the next fiscal year starting April 1, on top of a $135 billion stimulus package introduced last year to help households with rising living costs.
    CNBC.com staff, CNBC, 8 Feb. 2026
  • But the irony is, Roman numerals were actually introduced to make things easier to understand.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Interpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpose. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on interpose

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