moderation

noun

mod·​er·​a·​tion ˌmä-də-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce moderation (audio)
plural -s
Synonyms of moderationnext
1
: the quality or state of being moderate : an avoidance of extremes : temperateness
a man who knew no moderation in his requests and impulsesThomas Hardy
a moderation of speech and of outward attitude which gave conservative constituents a sense of security and radical constituents a gleam of hopeJeannette P. Nichols
2
: the action of moderating
specifically : a lessening of severity or intensity
international policy with respect to the control or moderation of depressions A. H. Hansen
3
moderations plural : the first public examination for the B.A. in classics or mathematics at Oxford University following responsions

called also mods

Phrases
in moderation
: without excess : temperately
adverb

Word History

Etymology

Middle English moderacion, from Latin moderation-, moderatio, from moderatus (past participle of moderare, moderari to moderate) + -ion-, -io -ion

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Moderation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moderation. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

moderation

noun
mod·​er·​a·​tion
ˌmäd-ə-ˈrā-shən
1
: the action of moderating
2
: the quality or state of being moderate : avoidance of extremes
does everything in moderation

More from Merriam-Webster on moderation

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!