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
  • But the recording itself — which happened in eerie circumstances and nearly destroyed one of the trumpets — also underlines how our handling of antiquities has evolved dramatically in the intervening decades.
    Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Think of it as something like the systemic equivalent of HDL cholesterol for the vascular system—a reading that indicates general health and creates a chance to intervene, at minimum, through lifestyle changes.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Across 17 tracks, guitar riffs curdle into sheets of distortion, melodies dissolve into electronic hiss, and grooves are chronically interrupted by fresh rhythmic detours.
    Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Lombard’s time in Triple-A was interrupted by a left finger injury that sidelined him for nearly a month.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Workers line each deposition hole with compressed bentonite clay blocks before inserting the copper containers.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Now, with Arraez inserted into the lineup and Harper returning to the outfield, the Phillies are betting that a defensive sacrifice from one of their biggest stars will ultimately make the roster more dangerous.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But as China’s 2018 detention of two Canadian citizens after Canada arrested a Huawei executive showed, the party readily interferes in the legal system when important interests are at stake.
    Mark Jia, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Liv Morgan was caught trying to interfere in the match, which led to Perez’s disqualification.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Much like her corgis, Queen Elizabeth was introduced to horses as a young girl.
    Audrey Schmidt, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The Boeing 767, introduced in 1982, is regarded as a reliable workhorse of the skies, in contrast to the beleaguered reputation of the Boeing 737 MAX, which lost faith with customers early, after two fatal crashes.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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