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
Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2025
As of Wednesday morning, Israeli authorities reported 24 dead and 838 wounded, including 11 in serious condition and dozens more suffering moderate or light injuries.
—Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 19 June 2025
Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 29 May 2025
The three ultra moderates also voiced alarm at their colleagues’ decision to scale back the mayor’s plan for increasing hiring at the fire department.
—David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 18 June 2025
The final panel, moderated by journalist and menopause advocate Tamsen Fadal, brought endocrinologist and obesity specialist Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen to the stage for a frank, science-forward conversation on hormones, muscle and GLP-1 medications.
—Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Adjective
Humidity recoveries overnight will be moderate, but forecasters warn that the ongoing dry and windy pattern through Sunday is enough to spark new fires or intensify any existing ones.
—Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2025
As of Wednesday morning, Israeli authorities reported 24 dead and 838 wounded, including 11 in serious condition and dozens more suffering moderate or light injuries.
—Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 19 June 2025
Noun
Deeper cuts would have likely lost the votes of key moderates.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 29 May 2025
The three ultra moderates also voiced alarm at their colleagues’ decision to scale back the mayor’s plan for increasing hiring at the fire department.
—David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Verb
The police chief described the damage to the other structures in the area as minor to moderate.
—Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 18 June 2025
The final panel, moderated by journalist and menopause advocate Tamsen Fadal, brought endocrinologist and obesity specialist Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen to the stage for a frank, science-forward conversation on hormones, muscle and GLP-1 medications.
—Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moderate
Adjective
-
Today, these ants primarily live in undisturbed and temperate eastern North American forests.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 May 2025
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Best Time to Visit Locals know the fall and winter tend to be the best times to visit St. George Island for temperate weather, smaller crowds, and lower humidity.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
6 May 2025
Adjective
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The most well-known is probably central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), which was first identified in 1968 and is now one of the leading forms of hair loss among Black women.—
Zahra Spencer,
Allure,
24 June 2025
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As one of the only public open spaces serving Greenwich Village west of 6th Avenue, Christopher Park has long been central to the life of the neighborhood and to its identity as an LGBT-friendly community.—
Liz Tracey,
JSTOR Daily,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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The ground in south Florida has been, on average, 81.8 per cent full during its six games hosted so far.—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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Consider that for the average university lab, the indirect costs alone—including office support, computing, compliance, instruments, space and administrative support—average $8 million annually, and that's a conservative estimate.—
Siamak Baharloo,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Their grass-like hollow leaves have a mild onion flavor and are common in salads and dips.—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
29 June 2025
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After the Animal Kingdom star shaved his head for another role, Williamson had a mild freakout.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
29 June 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,
25 June 2025
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The top three contributors to hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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Some of those more restrained alternatives would demand less of the U.S. military and thus cost far less, too.—
JENNIFER LIND,
Foreign Affairs,
24 June 2025
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Markets also rose on Monday after Iran’s restrained response to the U.S. strike against Iran over the weekend.—
Leo Schwartz,
Fortune,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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This is low joblessness as the median monthly local jobless rate since 2010 is 5.8%.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
28 June 2025
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Nearly all families would qualify to receive scholarships except those making more than three times their area's median income.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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The best long-lasting eyeliner for mature skin, then, should have a gentle glide, grip, and staying power without calling attention to fine lines or crepey lids.—
Angela Trakoshis,
Allure,
23 June 2025
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Don't boil for too long: Keep the liquid at a gentle simmer, and cook the ribs just until tenderized.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Moderate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moderate. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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