Synonyms of intervene

intervene

verb

ˌin-tər-ˈvēn 

as in to interfere

to act as a go-between for opposing sides

intervened in the argument before any real harm was done

Synonyms & Similar Words

• interfere
• intercede
• mediate
• intermediate
• interpose
• negotiate
• meddle
• arbitrate
• intrude
• pry
• invade
• moderate
• referee
• break (in)
• cut in
• obtrude
• trespass
• bother
• butt in
• snoop
• infringe
• chime in
• barge (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• avoid
• stand by
• ignore
• shun
• disregard
• overlook
• eschew

Synonym Chooser

How is the word intervene different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of intervene are intercede, interfere, interpose, and mediate. While all these words mean "to come or go between," 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

When might intercede be a better fit than intervene?

While the synonyms intercede and intervene are close in meaning, intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness.

interceded on our behalf

When is interfere a more appropriate choice than intervene?

The synonyms interfere and intervene are sometimes interchangeable, but interfere implies hindering.

noise interfered with my concentration

In what contexts can interpose take the place of intervene?

The meanings of interpose and intervene largely overlap; however, interpose often implies no more than this.

interposed herself between him and the door

When can mediate be used instead of intervene?

The words mediate and intervene can be used in similar contexts, but mediate implies intervening between hostile factions.

mediated between the parties

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of intervene

Clancy’s triple murder trial ended in a mistrial after jurors said they were deadlocked and a higher court rejected the defense’s bid to intervene in the deliberations. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026

Noah, a kindergartener at the time, also had to ride the bus with high school students, until an advocate intervened on the family’s behalf. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026

Instead of approving every action beforehand, the leader can review outcomes, identify patterns and intervene where necessary. — Sariki Abungwo, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Lizzie strikes Manchester in the abdomen with an axe, but when Maggie fails to intervene as planned, Lizzie takes Maggie’s hatchet and delivers a fatal blow to Manchester’s skull. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026