INTERVENE Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'intervene' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of intervene are intercede , interfere , interpose , and mediate . While all these words mean "to come or go between," 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

Q: When might 'intercede' be a better fit than 'intervene'?

While the synonyms intercede and intervene are close in meaning, intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness. // interceded on our behalf

Q: When is 'interfere' a more appropriate choice than 'intervene'?

The synonyms interfere and intervene are sometimes interchangeable, but interfere implies hindering. // noise interfered with my concentration

Q: In what contexts can 'interpose' take the place of 'intervene'?

The meanings of interpose and intervene largely overlap; however, interpose often implies no more than this. // interposed herself between him and the door

Q: When can 'mediate' be used instead of 'intervene'?

The words mediate and intervene can be used in similar contexts, but mediate implies intervening between hostile factions. // mediated between the parties

intervene

verb

ˌin-tər-ˈvēn

Definition of intervene next

as in to interfere

to act as a go-between for opposing sides intervened in the argument before any real harm was done

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of intervene are intercede, interfere, interpose, and mediate. While all these words mean "to come or go between," 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 might intercede be a better fit than intervene?

While the synonyms intercede and intervene are close in meaning, intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness.

interceded on our behalf

When is interfere a more appropriate choice than intervene?

The synonyms interfere and intervene are sometimes interchangeable, but interfere implies hindering.

noise interfered with my concentration

In what contexts can interpose take the place of intervene?

The meanings of interpose and intervene largely overlap; however, interpose often implies no more than this.

interposed herself between him and the door

When can mediate be used instead of intervene?

The words mediate and intervene can be used in similar contexts, but mediate implies intervening between hostile factions.

mediated between the parties

Examples 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 intervene Biden’s acting labor secretary, Julie Su, intervened in the negotiations several times, including last week when Boeing made its latest proposal. —

David Koenig, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 The federal government intervened to force the companies back to work. —

Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 4 Nov. 2024 Sal is ready to kill Oz but one of Sofia’s men intervenes. —

Joe Otterson, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024 Observing the situation from his vehicle, Brown reportedly intervened to prevent any escalation, pulling Diddy's sons away, with no injuries reported. —

Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intervene

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intervene

Verb

Whether dealing with a domestic or professional situation, showing strength along with your beliefs and plans will weed out anyone trying to interfere.

Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
The embassy had also released a statement last week saying Russia does not interfere in U.S. elections, as if anticipating such allegations on election day.

Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024