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 Language, being a product of rationality, lacks the capacity to interpose itself. Rachel Cusk, New Yorker, 13 June 2026 Peasant growers’ resistance to these operations fueled the Shining Path insurgency by providing recruits and creating an opening for the guerrillas to interpose themselves between the farmers and the police. Michelle D. Paranzino, The Conversation, 11 June 2026 Would the court have come out the same way, or would suddenly interposing a third-party sale have changed their analysis? Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 9 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for interpose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpose
Verb
  • The Treasury Department intervened midweek to help, but, by Friday, the relief had evaporated.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Yet still, economists, pundits, and politicians continue to heap endless scorn on the Fed for not seeing into the future back in 2019 and 2020, only to not intervene in the marketplace to ensure prices didn’t rise.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Lane was always the guy who interrupted the monotony of a long practice or meeting with a comment or joke.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Living with sickle cell disease has sometimes interrupted Dennis' education and other parts of her life.
    Jamal Goss, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • That game will then be playable completely digitally, without the need to ever insert the disc, as long as you (or a member of your family account) is logged in.
    Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026
  • This mini gadget is easy to set up (just insert a battery, and place it next to a water source like a sink, sump pump, water heater, or washing machine), and can last up to two years with normal use.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Skip a formal meal in favor of easy-to-grab snacks that won’t interfere too much with puzzle pieces.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Other kids can, too, without their parents interfering on Facebook groups.
    Mary Frances Ruskell, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Singapore is overhauling its landmark baby bonus scheme, first introduced in 2001, as the city’s fertility rate and number of births fall to record lows.
    Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • China’s automakers are entering the silicon race BYD introduced its 4 nm Xuanji A3 intelligent-driving chip earlier this year, while Nio, Li Auto and XPeng have also developed proprietary automotive processors.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Interpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpose. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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