1
2
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

3

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
  • Even the area where a former DOGE staffer was assaulted while intervening in an unarmed carjacking - an example of violent crime in the city highlighted by the White House - was quiet with little law enforcement presence.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Just as the alien is about to pounce on Hermit, Morrow intervenes and electrifies the creature.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • His introduction was then interrupted by the sound of music coming from the opposite side of the stage, where Tillman emerged with the USC band.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Millions of years ago, the environment there was still dominated by a dry season, but it was interrupted by a brief wet season.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • To use, insert the silicone fasteners, and then insert the needle into a layer of fabric.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Removing Old Hardware Nash explained that Michaels' recent operation was to remove hardware that was inserted into his lower back over 25 years ago.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In 1979, the revolution’s leaders worried that the United States would continue to interfere in Iran and stymie the great transformation underway.
    Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Iran's other allies including the active Houthis, also did not interfere militarily.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Pixel 10 Pro line (including the regular Pro, and both the Pro XL and Pro Fold) will introduce new features in hardware and software, as with any manufacturer’s launch of a flagship device.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • The league is currently in a holding pattern at 30 teams after introducing San Diego FC this past season.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpose. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on interpose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!