mediator

noun

me·​di·​a·​tor ˈmē-dē-ˌā-tər 

1

: one that mediates

especially : one that mediates between parties at variance

2

: a mediating agent in a physical, chemical, or biological process

Synonyms

• broker
• buffer
• conciliator
• go-between
• honest broker
• interceder
• intercessor
• intermediary
• intermediate
• interposer
• middleman
• peacemaker

Examples of mediator in a Sentence

if you two cannot resolve this argument on your own, we'll have to bring in a mediator

Recent Examples on the Web

Take the mediator approach while Mercury is in Libra. —USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2024

When conflicts do occur, leaders should act as neutral mediators. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024

The decision shows the weight given to Egypt’s role as a key mediator in a conflict that threatens to expand into a regionwide war and pose risks to the U.S., even as allegations persist that President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi’s government is behind a litany of human rights abuses. —Courtney Bonnell, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2024

For nearly the entire duration of the war, mediators, led by the United States, have attempted to broker a hostage-release and ceasefire deal. —Ruth Margalit, The New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

mediator

noun

me·​di·​a·​tor ˈmēd-ē-ˌāt-ər 

: one that mediates

mediatory

-ē-ə-ˌtōr-ē

-ˌtȯr-

adjective

Medical Definition

mediator

noun

me·​di·​a·​tor ˈmēd-ē-ˌāt-ər 

: one that mediates

especially : a mediating agent (as an enzyme or hormone) in a chemical or biological process

substance P, a neuropeptide mediator of analgesic stimuli in peripheral sensory nerves

—D. R. Robinson

Legal Definition

mediator

noun

me·​di·​a·​tor ˈmē-dē-ˌā-tər 

: one that works to effect reconciliation, settlement, or compromise between parties at variance compare arbitrator