mediate 1 of 2

as in halfway
occupying a position equally distant from the ends or extremes has a black-and-white view of human nature, believing that there is no mediate state between good and evil

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

mediate

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

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

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

mediated between the parties

When could intercede be used to replace mediate?

The words intercede and mediate can be used in similar contexts, but intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness.

interceded on our behalf

When would interfere be a good substitute for mediate?

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

noise interfered with my concentration

When is it sensible to use interpose instead of mediate?

Although the words interpose and mediate have much in common, interpose often implies no more than this.

interposed herself between him and the door

When can intervene be used instead of mediate?

While the synonyms intervene and mediate are close in meaning, 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

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 mediate
Adjective
Limited animal and human studies suggest that brain regions (e.g., insula, anterior cingulated [ACC], orbitofrontal [OFC]) and neurotransmitters (dopamine) that mediate substance dependence may also be involved with love addiction (as for PG). Discover Magazine, 27 July 2010 To this day, the United States sits at the center of many of the international institutions that govern the global commons, mediate disputes, and facilitate free trade. Ryan Hass, Foreign Affairs, 24 Oct. 2023
Verb
From this man’s experience—of being knocked out of his bed, of running to the sidewalk with his camera—Price drew the basis of one of the novel’s characters, Felix Pearl, a young transplant to East Harlem whose relationship to his new neighborhood is mediated through his camera. Kevin Lozano, New Yorker, 6 July 2025 Xi attempted to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, and to promote his own peace proposal, after Moscow’s invasion in 2022. Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for mediate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mediate
Adjective
  • The expansion team has exceeded expectations and is in contention to make the playoffs at the halfway point largely due to Thornton’s career year.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 18 July 2025
  • The Gilded Age Season 3 reached its halfway point Sunday night with a big episode centered around Gladys’ (Taissa Farmiga) wedding to The Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb), and key in the lead-up to the nuptials is the arrival of Merritt Wever’s character Monica O’Brien.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Ideally, complications are minimized by using conscious sedation for the shortest time period possible and ensuring a qualified healthcare provider, trained in recognizing complications and able to intervene rapidly, oversees the conscious sedation.
    Pamela Assid, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
  • Faith leaders ‘can move the needle’ One advocacy group, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, took steps last week to reverse the decision in the lawsuit by filing a motion to intervene.
    Lauren Costantino Updated July 20, Miami Herald, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • While on the road - Opt for the middle lanes and remain on higher ground.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
  • While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT Updated July 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Analysts also see Trump’s attempt to interfere in the country’s domestic affairs as a potential backfire for Bolsonaro during his trial and a push for Lula, whose reelection bid was facing unpopularity headwinds this year.
    Mauricio Savarese, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
  • May's character was completely devoted to Storm, often interfering in her matches and mimicking her every move.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • According to the two companies the integration enables same-day or next-day international payments in local currencies, reducing delays and reliance on intermediary banks.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Trump has also taken on a key intermediary role in the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, a bloody conflict that has been ongoing since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.
    Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • The torque tore the medial patellofemoral ligament in the 6-foot-4, 315-pound lineman’s right knee and dislocated his kneecap momentarily.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • Thiago has only just returned to full fitness after suffering a medial ligament injury in his right knee in May.
    Adam Leventhal, The Athletic, 25 July 2024
Adjective
  • Officials in Kryvyi Rih, in central Ukraine, reported approximately 20 hits on the city overnight into Wednesday.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 15 July 2025
  • Back to school is almost here: Some central Indiana schools go back to school in two weeks.
    Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • New Canaan, where the median annual household income is $163,355, was granted a moratorium earlier this year that temporarily exempts it from lawsuits under 8-30g.
    Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2025
  • In May, the median home price in the Space City fell 1.5 percent year-over-year to $339,900, lagging behind the 1 percent gain reported by the nationwide market.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mediate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mediate. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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