Synonym Chooser

How is the word intercede different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of intercede are interfere, interpose, intervene, and mediate. While all these words mean "to come or go between," intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness.

interceded on our behalf

When could interfere be used to replace intercede?

While the synonyms interfere and intercede are close in meaning, interfere implies hindering.

noise interfered with my concentration

When is it sensible to use interpose instead of intercede?

While in some cases nearly identical to intercede, interpose often implies no more than this.

interposed herself between him and the door

When would intervene be a good substitute for intercede?

The meanings of intervene and intercede largely overlap; however, intervene may imply an occurring in space or time between two things or a stepping in to stop a conflict.

quarreled until the manager intervened

When can mediate be used instead of intercede?

The words mediate and intercede are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mediate implies intervening between hostile factions.

mediated between the parties

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 intercede But in this case, the board hasn’t interceded as it’s grown remarkably wealthy from Tesla stock. Alan Ohnsman, Forbes, 1 Feb. 2025 As real-life danger threatens the brave young heroes, supernatural forces will intercede in their defense. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2025 China, Russia intercede A new wrinkle has emerged: both China and Russia oppose a new U.N. peacekeeping mission for Haiti, claiming to represent the interests of those harmed by past interventions. Miami Herald Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2025 Advertisement The speaker’s first two funding plans collapsed as Trump, who does not take the oath of office until Jan. 20, interceded with calls to suspend or lift the government debt ceiling. Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intercede 

Thesaurus Entries Near intercede

Cite this Entry

“Intercede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intercede. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intercede

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