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

Regulations intervened and, by the season’s end, Arsenal’s interest in Keegan had disappeared. — Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

That wiped out the 10-year yield’s decline from Wednesday, when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent intervened in the government bond market, ramping up in repurchases and aiming at easing pressure at the long end of the curve. — Sean Conlon,hugh Leask, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026

Firearms training at county facilities cut, sheriff intervenes The county will terminate its 2021 license agreement with ICE and its 2017 license agreement with CBP for use of the San Diego Regional Firearms Training Center in San Diego. — Paris Barraza, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Some businesses that could benefit from personalized pricing schemes may be less likely to succeed in the market if the FTC intervenes too much, Lashley argued. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026