Definition of mediatenext
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

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
Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who had been helping mediate talks, said negotiations were ongoing and making progress. Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 7 Mar. 2026 His involvement with Habitat for Humanity, and his work around the world to eradicate disease, mediate conflict and monitor elections all give testament to a godly life lived well. Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 1 Jan. 2026
Verb
Our role is limited to mediating the negotiations and ICRC leads on the implementation of the release operation. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2026 Advertisement Cohen has found the same thing during three decades of mediating workplace disputes and other high-conflict situations. Angela Haupt, Time, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mediate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mediate
Adjective
  • The Pirates are 9 1/2 games behind the National League Central Division leading Milwaukee Brewers – but only two games out of a playoff spot at the halfway point in the season.
    Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Dude’s pretty darn good with halfway decent quarterback play.
    Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Shida hit a third knee strike as referee Paul Turner intervened.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Another team coach saw what happened and immediately intervened and reported it to the girl’s parent, police said.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • What’s wired is putting your backing behind Zaza, the middle child.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 July 2026
  • When middle-sixers such as Kiefer Sherwood and Bobby McMann are getting that for their declining years, a legit needle-mover such as Blake should add a ton of surplus value above that.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • In her role as well as elsewhere, Kalle downplays the explicit homophobia that might have rendered this a more simplistic allegory, making Asla less a figure of interfering jealousy than a woman who simply doesn’t want to be abandoned yet again.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026
  • Marina interfered again and delivered a stiff punch to the midsection of Matt.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • Several intermediary organizations have recently emerged to support this effort.
    Peter Hailey, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
  • Martino used the intermediary chat tab to provide confidential information about clients.
    Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • If you have been bitten or scratched by any stray animals or an animal suspected to have rabies, seek medial care immediately and let your provider know about the possible exposure.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 13 July 2026
  • So, medial epicondylitis or golfer’s elbow is, voilà, inflammation of the medial epicondyle.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • In central Spain, 60,000 were forced from their homes, according to the Spanish interior ministry.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
  • Everton are now exploring alternatives, with the purchase of a new central midfielder considered likely.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • Single mothers often operate like CEOs of high-stakes enterprises, managing income, risk, and capital with no margin for error due to structural disadvantages like lower median income and exorbitant childcare costs.
    Kristin Vance Richards, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • The median household income is $20,000 below the national median, and thousands of jobs have been cut as mining operations close.
    Elijah TanAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mediate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mediate. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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