1
as in temperate
avoiding extremes in behavior or expression
he was only a moderate drinker, generally stopping after a couple of glasses of wine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in central
avoiding major social change or extreme political ideas
the principal's moderate position on cell phones is that students can use them at school but only for emergencies
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3
as in average
being about midway between extremes of amount or size
a moderate snowfall was forecast for the region
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4
as in mild
marked by temperatures that are neither too high nor too low
a city that is celebrated for its moderate climate
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as in centrist
a person who holds moderate views
to the community's detriment, moderates were often shouted down at town meetings by the local hotheads
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as in to decrease
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
the wind began to moderate as the night wore on
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as in temperance
an avoidance of extremes in one's actions, beliefs, or habits
the kind of person who does everything in moderation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of moderate
Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026
Related Stories For Q1, Spotify is expecting more moderate users gains.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The issue of whether to abolish ICE has become a new dividing line between Democratic progressives and moderates.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Bill Kelly, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Actor Laura San Giacomo, who won LAFCA’s New Generation Award for her performance, will be there for a Q&A moderated by Lael Loewenstein.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 3 Feb. 2026
Next week, the metro will experience gradual moderation with highs climbing back into the teens and 20s.
—Joseph Dames, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Adjective
State officials have predicted moderate to strong wildflower blooms across California this year following widespread rainfall during the fall and winter, according to California State Parks.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026
Related Stories For Q1, Spotify is expecting more moderate users gains.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
Warsh is a frequent Fed critic who prefers lower interest rates, yet is also a fiscal moderate who is more cautious about deploying heavy monetary strategies, USA TODAY reported.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The issue of whether to abolish ICE has become a new dividing line between Democratic progressives and moderates.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
The bitter air will continue into early next week before moderating a bit midweek and into the following weekend.
—Bill Kelly, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Actor Laura San Giacomo, who won LAFCA’s New Generation Award for her performance, will be there for a Q&A moderated by Lael Loewenstein.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
Year-Round Holiday Décor Holiday decorations can make a porch feel cozy and cheerful, but moderation matters.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 3 Feb. 2026
Next week, the metro will experience gradual moderation with highs climbing back into the teens and 20s.
—Joseph Dames, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moderate
Adjective
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The dammuso stays temperate thanks to its 19-to-23-inch-thick stone walls, which slowly absorb heat during the day and release it at night, and its domes—more than 13-feet tall—that allow rising heat to dissipate above the living spaces.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2026
-
His tone is temperate, but the words echo through the State Capitol’s Assembly chamber, the august backdrop for his speech.—
Maya Singer,
Vogue,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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And third, the center of the nebula is obscure, with what looks like a wispy cloud in the foreground blocking us from seeing the central star itself.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Built for a client focused on results rather than polish by Nick Maselli, the robot—named Sourccey—features a cylindrical, mobile body with a domed top, two articulated arms, and a central vertical lift for handling garments.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Observations of transits of Venus, which only occur twice per century, on average (most recently in 2012), were humanity’s first indication that Venus possessed — whereas Mercury lacked — a substantial atmosphere.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The average transaction price (ATP) on a new vehicle hit $50,000 for the first time ever last fall, according to Kelley Blue Book.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Temperature and Humidity Skeleton flowers can adapt to many different climates but thrive when they are planted in regions with cool to cold winters and mild summers.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Temperatures can vary by elevation, time of day In early February, weather conditions across southern Arizona are typically mild during the day but cooler overnight.—
Joan Meiners,
AZCentral.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In Cappelli’s view, decreasing rent and higher vacancy rates for affordable housing are signs that Denver is on the right track in helping renters.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
6 Feb. 2026
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The news landed like a five-alarm fire for Hollywood workers and their representatives, who have already been battered in recent years by the outsourcing of production work, the 2023 labor strikes and studios’ and streamers’ push to decrease spending.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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On the street, the Mazda3 hatchback carries itself with a restrained yet purposeful elegance.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
7 Feb. 2026
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Arnold’s Heathcliff is much more fully developed as a character, in part due to the more restrained performances and Arnold’s highly sensory style.—
Cazzie David,
Vogue,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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That means people who previously rented affordable housing — and who make close to the area’s median income — can more easily make the jump from subsidized apartments to market-rate homes.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
6 Feb. 2026
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Another recent Statesman analysis also found that some first responders earn far higher incomes by working long overtime hours, possibly driving up the median salaries for their respective agencies.—
Austin Sanders,
Austin American Statesman,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The intuitive Moon is in your sign, lighting your 1st House of Identity and inviting you to show gentle leadership through presence rather than pressure.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
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This villa is high enough to feel secluded, but never removed from the gentle rhythm of the Caribbean island of Bequia.—
Rebekah Evans,
TheWeek,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Moderate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moderate. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
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