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
  • Van Bommel was shown a yellow card by referee Sander van der Eijk and VAR did not intervene.
    Ali Rampling, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Clancy’s supporters were divided, some holding out hope the Commonwealth’s highest court would intervene and others coming to accept what would end up being the inescapable conclusion.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The first type connects two points on the boundary or crust without being interrupted by other cuts.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Weiss’ overhaul of the show interrupted a critical off-season period when correspondents typically try to file and finish a segment for the fall.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • To beat this issue, the MIT team inserted a razor-thin layer of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) between two metal electrodes.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
  • In the meantime, County Supervisor Kathryn Barger has inserted herself into the saga.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • When a magnetic field is applied to these wires, electron waves passing through different paths interfere, producing Aharonov-Bohm (AB) oscillations.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
  • But if the plan was to let sleeping dogs lie, Bartiromo interfered by passing along the internal guidance.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Aflac initially gained a bigger profile after introducing its duck mascot in 1999, in ads crafted by Kaplan Thaler Group, an independent agency that was eventually acquired by Publicis Groupe of France.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Leaving behind the 1996–2000 era of clunky plastic telephones with long cords and no internet, Scream 4 adapts to the times and introduces cell phones, webcams, laptops, and social media.
    Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpose. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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