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 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 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 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
  • Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina head coach, attempted to intervene.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Each resident should have a care plan, and homes should train staff to be alert to a resident's triggers and intervene quickly, dementia specialists say.
    Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • Writing a letter is interrupted by demanding people and unreliable machines, by illness and trouble.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
  • By this evening, work or scheduling demands continue to interrupt the fantasy.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • Baudrillard is playing a little textual prank on us, inserting the simulacrum of a quotation into a book about simulacra.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
  • Now, think about gently inserting a roll of film into a camera.
    Rotem Rozental, Fortune, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Sami interfered in the match and the referee called for the bell.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • The intelligence community had previously said that several foreign actors, including China, sought to interfere in the 2020 election but that there was no evidence of those efforts successfully changing the outcome.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • No matter how they were introduced to the region, the blue crabs found a paradise in the delta’s lagoons.
    Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • The Premier League has introduced its own SCR limit — set at a higher 85 per cent — for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Interpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpose. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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