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 The memo warned university delegates and public safety officers — dozens of whom newly have arrest powers — would intervene if protest activity conflicts with school rules. Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025 The hockey gods didn’t intervene on the Leafs behalf. James Mirtle, New York Times, 17 May 2025 The man intervened, and the bear bit him on his left leg, officials said. Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025 Related Articles Trump calls for Colorado clerk Tina Peters to be released from prison Can the Trump administration intervene on Colorado’s new gun-control law? Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for intervene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intervene
Verb
  • In 2019 he was impeached for abuse of power and obstruction of justice related to his bid to persuade Ukraine to interfere in the presidential election.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2025
  • China’s assistant foreign minister, Miao Deyu, told reporters in Beijing on Sunday, according to the People’s Daily, nodding to President James Monroe’s declaration of 1823, warning European powers not to interfere in the Americas.
    Chris Buckley, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • One character’s storyline — that of 14-year-old character Kai (voiced by Chanel Stewart, who is transgender) underwent changes when Disney interceded and asked gender references be taken out.
    Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The court will intercede when the children are not safe.
    Jann Blackstone, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The source did not disclose the topics of the meeting, nor who was mediating.
    Lauren Izso, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
  • Wages are reportedly the main sticking point between NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, with talks mediated by federal officials scheduled for Sunday.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intervene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intervene. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intervene

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