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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 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 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 The female-centric video showcases vintage footage of women interposed with kaleidoscopic effects and shots of the band singing in various costumes. Danielle Garrand, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpose
Verb
  • Related Articles Trump calls for Colorado clerk Tina Peters to be released from prison Can the Trump administration intervene on Colorado’s new gun-control law?
    Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 10 May 2025
  • During the pursuit of the suspect, a good Samaritan intervened and the suspect dropped his cell phone.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Making progress: Remember the story of the footballers who had their dreams interrupted by the Taliban?
    Emily Olsen, New York Times, 13 May 2025
  • During the broadcast Hudson interrupted a question about their relationship, leading to backlash and discourse over her role in the coach’s professional life.
    Glamour, Glamour, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • The device is inserted via the jugular vein and interfaces with the motor cortex.
    Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Those who opt for implants could receive $75 at the time it is inserted, $100 six months after and $125 one year later.
    Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • In 2019 he was impeached for abuse of power and obstruction of justice related to his bid to persuade Ukraine to interfere in the presidential election.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2025
  • Cobb interfered in the fatal four-way match for the United States Championship as Jacob Fatu, LA Knight, Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre fought for the title.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Not all of these changes would come into force immediately upon the bill's passage, but all changes would be implemented within the coming decade. Low-Income Adults One of the main reforms is introducing new work requirements.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • The song played while the comedian introduced a Hot Topic about the Sean Combs trial.
    Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Interpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpose. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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