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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in average
being about midway between extremes of amount or size
a moderate snowfall was forecast for the region
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in mild
marked by temperatures that are neither too high nor too low
a city that is celebrated for its moderate climate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to decrease
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
the wind began to moderate as the night wore on
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in temperance
an avoidance of extremes in one's actions, beliefs, or habits
the kind of person who does everything in moderation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 moderate
Brian Mastroianni, Health, 26 July 2025
Meanwhile, the Weather Prediction Center has placed an area that stretches roughly from Wichita to St. Joseph, including the Kansas City metro, under a moderate risk of excessive rainfall, the second-highest category indicating the likelihood of heavy rain causing flash flooding.
—Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
Averi Harper, ABC News, 26 June 2025
But to pay for the plan, Senate Republicans propose more aggressive reductions to Medicaid than those in the House bill—a move that has drawn resistance from some moderates.
—Jesus Mesa
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
David Ubben, New York Times, 25 July 2025
The area has easy to moderate hikes leading to views of Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell.
—Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Adjective
The American Heart Association recommends that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
—Brian Mastroianni, Health, 26 July 2025
Meanwhile, the Weather Prediction Center has placed an area that stretches roughly from Wichita to St. Joseph, including the Kansas City metro, under a moderate risk of excessive rainfall, the second-highest category indicating the likelihood of heavy rain causing flash flooding.
—Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
Noun
Democrats are torn between courting disillusioned moderates or doubling down on progressive ideals, between elevating new leaders or clinging to the old guard.
—Averi Harper, ABC News, 26 June 2025
But to pay for the plan, Senate Republicans propose more aggressive reductions to Medicaid than those in the House bill—a move that has drawn resistance from some moderates.
—Jesus Mesa
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
Verb
While every other coach fielded questions himself, the crush of media required a UNC official to moderate Belichick’s session, calling on reporters who peppered the coach with questions.
—David Ubben, New York Times, 25 July 2025
The area has easy to moderate hikes leading to views of Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell.
—Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moderate
Adjective
-
Those individuals experienced up to an 8 percent additional drop in kidney function each year compared with those living in temperate climates.—
Nora Bradford,
Scientific American,
29 July 2025
-
The list includes places like Malta, a five-island nation with terrific beaches, a temperate climate and low crime, and Belize, the only Central American country with English as its official language.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
And District 27 would capture much of the Coastal Bend and snake its way north and west and grab central Austin in a pincer grip.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
31 July 2025
-
Seney, in the central UP, had a reading of 160, the highest measured in the state Wednesday morning.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
For example, a June 2024 publication in the RAND Health Quarterly described how drug prices in the U.S. were on average nearly three times higher than those in 33 other high-income countries.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
3 Aug. 2025
-
The rankings are based on average rent and apartment size data for March 2025, from real estate data platform Yardi Matrix, which is operated by the same parent company as RentCafe.—
Mike Winters,
CNBC,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Allergic reactions vary in severity from mild symptoms, such as hives and lip swelling, to life-threatening complications, such as anaphylaxis, that may include fatal respiratory problems.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
-
About one in five people infected develop mild symptoms, such as a fever, headache, body aches or rash, and around one in 150 people develop a serious illness like encephalitis or meningitis.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
23 July 2025
Verb
-
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
31 July 2025
-
The folate in avocado also aids in controlling serotonin and dopamine levels, which can decrease risk of depression.—
Sheah Rarback,
Miami Herald,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
Several Republican members who spent years hyping up the Epstein case remained restrained in criticizing the White House's handling of the matter.—
John Parkinson,
ABC News,
24 July 2025
-
This restrained color story feels fresh yet timeless.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
The median overtime pay for those rangers was $567.—
Maritza Dominguez,
AZCentral.com,
24 July 2025
-
The median education debt for indebted medical students is around $200,000, with most repayment plans lasting 10 to 20 years.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
Stefan, a vampire too gentle to drink human blood, eventually loses Elena to his brother, Damon, the cruel killer with a tender side just for her.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
29 July 2025
-
Her videos captured the simple beauty of her grandparents’ life: morning coffee, gardening rituals, gentle kisses hello and goodbye — and always, the art.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Moderate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moderate. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share