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

Before a federal judge intervened in December, the administration had appeared set to bypass both commissions entirely. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026

As a festival photographer tried to get into position to shoot the discussion, a front-row patron asked the photographer to move out of the way — and Schnabel quickly intervened. —G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle, 28 Mar. 2026

Soto was charged with failing to intervene and third-degree assault, according to court documents. —ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026

In the intervening nine years since 2003, Mars' Happy Valley community has flourished and grown into a burgeoning colony with thousands of residents trying to establish a cultural identity on the Red Planet without Earth's overbearing presence. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2026