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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

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
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 Unlike human leaders, AI cannot interpret the moral weight of a policy decision, mediate conflict through emotional intelligence, or make judgment calls that require contextual sensitivity. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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 Scientists hope future investigations can confirm gut bacteria’s role in mediating coffee’s health benefits. Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 23 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mediate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mediate
Adjective
  • This was a halfway point for me and a friend in Asheville, and new to us both.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 17 Dec. 2025
  • Since December 2000, this is currently the fifth coldest start to the month at the halfway point.
    Michael Autovino, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Over the intervening 25 years, the landscape across an 18,000-square-mile expanse, larger than the state of Maryland, has undergone an extensive reshaping.
    Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Sort of small arms warfare, where they were harassed for months in one of these sad situations where the cops wouldn’t intervene.
    Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Silver plans are a middle-tier option that the ACA marketplaces offer for qualifying consumers.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The 23-year-old rookie was billed as a winger for most of his career, but has been a shockingly impressive middle-six center fill-in with Dubois’ injury.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Campos and her colleagues stress that their role is strictly observational — never to interfere.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • In May 2025, an individual was arrested at the Phelps Street home on drug possession, criminal trespass and interfering charges, according to the warrant affidavit.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Other corporations are using intermediary roles, such as chief operating officer or chief administrative officer, to oversee numerous functional groups, rather than having the heads of those groups report directly to the CEO.
    Sarah Abbott, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Rerouting through intermediary countries adds 10–20 percent to transit time.
    Vitalii Savryha, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But Scudero, who came into the game leading the country with 50 receptions, 845 yards receiving and eight touchdowns, was held to six catches for 25 yards and required medial attention multiple times during the loss.
    Aaron Johnson, Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2025
  • In 2016, he was forced to vacate the WWE World Heavyweight Championship after tearing his ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus, an injury that kept him out of action for seven months.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The west slopes of the central Appalachians could pick up several inches Monday.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Behind him, Liverpool need to be wary of Foden, who is beginning to again look like the player who was central to City’s 2023-24 title win.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The median salary is $75,190, and the top 10% of earners get $121,200.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
  • For students who graduated this year with an MD degree from a four-year medical school in the United States, the median cost of attendance was $318,825, according to Kristen Earle, director of student financial services at the Association of American Medical Colleges.
    Tribune News Service, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mediate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mediate. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

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