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 Objects interposed between subjects and the camera hint at the quest for clarity through the intervening years. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026 The Trump Administration saw Amodei as arrogant and intractable, and would not abide a private company, regardless of how good its product might be, interposing itself in the chain of military command. Harry Booth, Time, 11 Mar. 2026 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 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 An electrolyte—commonly a polymer or ceramic—interposed between the fuel and oxidizer helps shuttle ions within the fuel cell. IEEE Spectrum, 16 May 2016
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpose
Verb
  • Scrap Theory intervenes in the fields of Black archival studies, motherhood studies and feminist studies, and literary studies by asking how Black women deliberately document their experiences with dispossession through artistic engagement.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • Two bystanders intervened after hearing the woman’s cries for help, deputies said.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Stulberg recommends small rituals, like a deep breath or short phrase, to interrupt automatic emotional reactions and give yourself a chance to choose a better response.
    Elise Devlin, New York Times, 3 June 2026
  • Iran has been able to interrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for a large segment of the world’s oil, natural gas and related products such as fertilizer.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Before the true ad break begins, networks like to insert a little commercial bumper.
    Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 4 June 2026
  • And men are indeed lengthening their limbs, flying to international clinics, having metal rods inserted into their bones, and then, after a brutal recovery process, relearning how to walk.
    Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Around this time of year, the last properly dark nights are still hanging on before summer twilight starts to interfere.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 6 June 2026
  • The game was not yet codified, and teachers let students organize games without interfering in their play.
    Thomas Adam, The Conversation, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Bryant charged Black church members in Kansas City to engage more with the community and introduce practical solutions.
    Freddrell Green, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2026
  • Last season Hustus handled more than 16,000 lobsters all while chatting animatedly with visitors from around the world—and often introducing them to their first tastes of lobster.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Interpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpose. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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