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

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 intervene Meanwhile, threats that develop behind closed doors could spill over into society without prior warning or ability to intervene. Yoshua Bengio, Time, 22 Oct. 2025 Several of the series’ stars reportedly intervened, including leads Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline. Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025 In the intervening years, as the difficult economics of streaming became fully apparent, especially for legacy media companies managing linear TV’s decline, the calculus changed. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025 Regulators have tried to intervene to stabilize the market and keep private carriers from cutting coverage or leaving the state, and the new package is an attempt to shore up the market before another major natural disaster. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intervene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intervene
Verb
  • Here the president is running roughshod over state and local governments that are not interfering in the federal government’s work.
    Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Shmi, who died for nothing, the cowardly Jedi refusing to free her, refusing to interfere.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • His wife shed tears as supporters interceded in prayer.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Once again, however, the Supreme Court interceded.
    Dan Walters, Oc Register, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Representatives from both nations, led by Afghan Defense Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob and Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, engaged in talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey on Saturday.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Prosecutors said the case was mediated, and the victim was in agreement with the plea terms.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intervene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intervene. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intervene

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