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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of moderate
Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Tan referred to himself as a moderate or centrist.
—Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025
Steven T. Dennis, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
Whichever candidate is elected will also likely face opposition and infighting from within their own party, given the split between LDP conservatives and moderates, said Hall.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Jakob Roze, Health, 21 Oct. 2025
The session featured artist Lenny Tavárez, producers Yan and Yon MadMusick, and Pinky Mordan, with Billboard’s Ingrid Fajardo moderating the conversation.
—Quincy Green, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2025
Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2025
Its commitment to moderation, development, and cross-regional cooperation paved the way for this moment.
—Yossi Shelley, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Adjective
Record levels of burnout — a seven-year high, with 61% of employees reporting at least moderate burnout — suggest many are simply holding on.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Tan referred to himself as a moderate or centrist.
—Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
Some moderates including Republicans Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Democrat Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire have been trying — so far unsuccessfully — to negotiate an end to the standoff and unlock a broader deal on health care and the federal budget.
—Steven T. Dennis, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
Whichever candidate is elected will also likely face opposition and infighting from within their own party, given the split between LDP conservatives and moderates, said Hall.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
Choose a medicine ball that is light to moderate in weight.
—Jakob Roze, Health, 21 Oct. 2025
The session featured artist Lenny Tavárez, producers Yan and Yon MadMusick, and Pinky Mordan, with Billboard’s Ingrid Fajardo moderating the conversation.
—Quincy Green, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
For too long in Kansas, the Republican Party has been dominated by extremists who see no room for moderation or bipartisanship, let alone unity or mutual respect.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2025
Its commitment to moderation, development, and cross-regional cooperation paved the way for this moment.
—Yossi Shelley, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moderate
Adjective
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The crop thrives in temperate climates across countries such as China, Spain, Turkey, Mexico and the United States, with peak season running from mid-summer through early fall.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
16 Oct. 2025
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They are found all over the world, mostly in subtropical and temperate regions of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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His sons, who compete as The Usos and Solo Sikoa, as well as his nephew Roman Reigns, have continued his legacy as central figures in WWE.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Oct. 2025
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Here, stainless steel tanks are arranged in a circular pattern around a central wooden barrel-aging chamber, inspired by ancient Tokaj cellars that were carved into volcanic rock.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Seizeen Store Inflatable Hot Tub with Massage Jets This isn’t your average inflatable tub.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Oct. 2025
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In terms of precipitation, the seasonal temperature outlook predicts a 33%-40% likelihood of an above average amount of precipitation for the entire state during the winter months.—
Cailey Gleeson,
jsonline.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Veteran Ram staffers noted a bigger crowd than usual for an open scrimmage, buoyed by Homecoming weekend and more than mild curiosity.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
19 Oct. 2025
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Plus, the breathable open backs will keep your feet feeling comfortable for those mild, sunny fall days.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
PEOPLE,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Though the number of uninsured motorist was decreasing during the 2010s, the COVID-19 pandemic reversed the trend, with some Americans, who were driving less often, dropping their insurance, USA TODAY reported.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
17 Oct. 2025
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In addition, the rebound numbers could decrease for Towns.—
Stan Son,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In DaCosta’s hands, Ibsen’s emotionally extreme but tonally restrained play becomes a spectacular, flamboyant melodrama, with physical action as intense as the characters’ inner worlds.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
17 Oct. 2025
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That would include gun-violence restraining orders and domestic violence protective orders, which are among several kinds of orders that compel a restrained person to surrender firearms.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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With a median home price of $645,000, according to Zillow, a mix of condo high-rises and historic brownstones make up the walkable neighborhood, which features numerous parks and a Hudson River waterfront pathway offering skyline views of lower Manhattan.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Oct. 2025
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Also eligible will be people earning less than 60% of the state’s median income — or less than $3,170 per month for a one-person household and $6,096 per month for a four-person household.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Their gentle warm-up then transitions into a dynamic aerial exercise, where both robots lift their legs into the air and perform a twist.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Oct. 2025
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Union also shared a video, shot by Wade, where her father reacts to gentle teasing from his son-in-law.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Moderate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moderate. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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