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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

mediate

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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

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
The money covers a range of expenses, including staff that help homeless people find housing and mediate conflicts between new roommates. Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025 Transfer that to the modern workplace, and Type A employees are suited to leading projects and attacking problems quickly, while Type B workers can reduce panic, mediate conflict and suggest collaborative solutions. David Morel, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
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 Some would allow states to mediate disputes between families and schools, and to issue legal orders. ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mediate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mediate
Adjective
  • Biro’s sending off came after battling for the ball with Charlotte FC striker Idan Toklomati on the halfway line.
    David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Around the halfway point, Mai’s domesticity grows feral.
    Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Klobuchar plans to introduce new legislation that could help bolster disclosure requirements about the circumstances surrounding settlements, and give states more power to intervene, review, and continue cases the DOJ voluntarily dismisses.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Ivey has the power to intervene in executions but has done so only once in nearly nine years in office.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2026
  • On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The law enforcement steps have alarmed election officials and Democrats who fear that the administration is building an argument for interfering in this year’s midterm elections.
    Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2026
  • That is, the government did not interfere in any way with which religious schools could receive the funds.
    David Kay, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Whatever the cause, intermediary bites and sips make up a growing portion of Americans’ daily consumption, especially among young people, as my colleague Ellen Cushing wrote in 2024.
    Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Ports in this region, such as Jebel Ali and Khor Fakkan, are specialized transshipment hubs that serve as intermediary points in global networks.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The 27-year-old, who suffered a tear to his medial knee ligaments in December, was able to start in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at West Ham.
    Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
  • The rippled, frill-like edges are seen on the lateral and medial side panels of the shoe across three neutral earth tone spins on the 204L in Sea Salt/Linen (style code U204L2SZ), Lone Star Gray/Sea Salt (style code U204L5AV) and Reflection/Truffle Salt (style code U204L6A6).
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Another union still in negotiations is Associated Administrators of Los Angeles, which represents principals, other school administrators, many middle managers and some central-office workers.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The 2nd District stretches from the central part of the state west to the Mississippi River and is considered a Democratic stronghold, setting Thompson up to win his 18th congressional term.
    JEFF AMY AND SOPHIE BATES THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • During the panel, candidates were in broad agreement about the need to reduce barriers and costs in order to build more housing in California, where the median single-family home costs more than $820,000.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Lower median sale prices, down 5% for attached homes and 2% for detached homes compared to last year, also brought buyers back.
    Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mediate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mediate. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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