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
The report’s authors said AI agents, retailer algorithms and digital platforms are increasingly mediating product discovery. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026 Ties between Kosovo and Serbia remain tense, despite years of negotiations mediated by the European Union and supported by the United States. — CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mediate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mediate
Adjective
  • The 24-year-old, like Gordon, who replaced him in the second half, offered energetic pressing, even sprinting from close to the halfway line to close down the goalkeeper at one point.
    — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The 26-year-old information technology administrator consumed a Red Bull energy drink around the film's halfway mark to stay alert.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Nearly a year ago, Takaichi drew Beijing’s ire by indicating an attempt to seize Taiwan by force could prompt Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to intervene.
    — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Miami police officers rushed to intervene in a Saturday afternoon stabbing that sent two people to the hospital, authorities say.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The data are no less dire for the tens of thousands of middle and high school students in the region who rely on MTA buses, Metro and Light Rail to get to school.
    — Brian O'Malley, Baltimore Sun, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Plus, there’s always something fun to try in their middle aisle, which changes on a weekly basis.
    — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Tonight’s waxing crescent moon is roughly 30 percent illuminated, so moonlight shouldn’t interfere much with aurora sightings.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The question asked by the team was how to bring a wave packet that has fallen back into contact with the one that stayed behind—the same atom on the other path—so that the two can interfere.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The new rules also call for closer regulation of intermediary agencies that assist people with leaving China, and task them with reporting anyone who tries to exit unlawfully.
    — Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Beer distribution—the highly lucrative and highly protected intermediary industry between brewers and bars—is one.
    — John Lanchester, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Timberland Stone Street Platform 6-inch Boot is available now in new burgundy and black full-grain leather looks with stud embellishments across their lateral and medial quarter panels.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The operation is a grafting procedure in which doctors take tendons from another part of the body – the forearm, hamstring, hip or knee – and replace the medial ligament in the elbow with the grafted portion.
    — Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • So much of central Zurich continued to build around this hub, and the hotel grew into a notable gathering spot for guests like Charles Dickens, composer Franz Liszt, and later on former US president Bill Clinton.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The agreement positions Dentsu as the central point of contact for brand marketers looking to tap into Kodansha’s IP for sponsorships, tie-in campaigns, live events and fan experiences throughout the Americas.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • And yet, the NAR reports that the median age of a real estate agent is 57, presenting a challenge for adoption.
    — John Kell, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
  • In the modern era, the smallest hiking cycle was 137 basis points (1986-87), the median 313 basis points and the average 478 basis points, according to Deutsche Bank Global Head of Macro and Thematic Research Jim Reid.
    — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mediate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mediate. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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