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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

Examples 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 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 In Côte d’Ivoire, a civil war that began in 2002 led to the partition of the country, with a large UN force interposed between the two sides. Jon Western, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2011 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 One clever way to avoid the restrictions of being at home, isolated — Kate and Aidy are both being interposed onto different grocery store setting backdrops. Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 26 Apr. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpose
Verb
  • Many of them see it as the government intervening in the free market to pick winners and losers—especially when the latter are fossil-fuel companies that donate heavily to the GOP.
    Chris Morris, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2024
  • Getty Images Russian authorities are trying to stem panic over the ruble’s sharp fall this week, with the central bank forced to intervene on Wednesday to support the currency.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 28 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Claire is on cloud nine when she’s interrupted by a crying Mercy.
    Lincee Ray, EW.com, 30 Nov. 2024
  • On Friday, the NWS office in Buffalo also warned the heavy lake effect snow will continue into the weekend as snowfall rates will be strong enough to interrupt travel.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • After making a centimeter-long incision under the chin and, in some cases, two additional poke holes, one behind each earlobe, doctors insert a steel cannula to break up and suction out excess fat.
    Jolene Edgar, Allure, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The wine case inserts—designed to cushion Silver Oak bottles in transit—are manufactured from recycled, non-toxic foam in Wisconsin.
    Rachel King, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Whether dealing with a domestic or professional situation, showing strength along with your beliefs and plans will weed out anyone trying to interfere.
    Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • The embassy had also released a statement last week saying Russia does not interfere in U.S. elections, as if anticipating such allegations on election day.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The Lost Explorer Tequila Blanco, introduced in October 2024, marked the brand’s entry into the Tequila market.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
  • So far both of these efforts have faced legal challenges, and similar bills introduced in other states have failed to advance.
    Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 3 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near interpose

Cite this Entry

“Interpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpose. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

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