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as in to interrupt
to cause a disruption in a conversation or discussion I hate to interpose, but could you tell me what you meant by that last remark?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of interpose are intercede, interfere, intervene, and mediate. While all these words mean "to come or go between," interpose often implies no more than this.

interposed herself between him and the door

When could intercede be used to replace interpose?

While in some cases nearly identical to interpose, intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness.

interceded on our behalf

When is it sensible to use interfere instead of interpose?

The words interfere and interpose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, interfere implies hindering.

noise interfered with my concentration

When would intervene be a good substitute for interpose?

The synonyms intervene and interpose are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Where would mediate be a reasonable alternative to interpose?

The meanings of mediate and interpose largely overlap; however, 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 interpose Other ads feature images of Harris and VP candidate Tim Walz interposed with post-apocalyptic scenes, and pictures of Walz and President Biden mashed up with images of prescription drugs spilling out of bottles. Emily Baker-White, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Such a note, seemingly interposed at random, echoes Whitman and DeFeo. David L. Ulin, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2023 Just this past weekend, a top campaign staffer reshared a video with an image of DeSantis, a Nazi symbol interposed over the Florida flag, and soldiers on the march. Adrienne Mahsa Varkiani, The New Republic, 25 July 2023 These use a proton-conducting polymer membrane as the electrolyte interposed between the fuel and oxidizer to help shuttle electric charge within the fuel cell. IEEE Spectrum, 14 June 2023 Biden was taking a harder line with Putin, but when the two met earlier in the summer and Zelensky tried to interpose on the summit with dire warnings about the war, he was ignored. New York Times, 16 Jan. 2022 With a mask interposed close to the healthy hamsters (the equivalent of a healthy person wearing a mask), one-third were. The Economist, 28 May 2020 One clever way to avoid the restrictions of being at home, isolated — Kate and Aidy are both being interposed onto different grocery store setting backdrops. Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 26 Apr. 2020 The female-centric video showcases vintage footage of women interposed with kaleidoscopic effects and shots of the band singing in various costumes. Danielle Garrand, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interpose
Verb
  • The church said the shooting was not carried out by anyone affiliated with its ministry, and Shed was killed while attempting to intervene.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Wolff said Xi may not be ready to take Taiwan by force yet as there are other hotspots in the South China Sea where the U.S. potentially would be obliged to intervene against Chinese belligerence, such as the Philippines.
    John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • It's not supposed to be interrupted by hazardous mold.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Jade Cargill interrupted Naomi and begin arguing with Bianca Belair.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • No ancient dire wolf genes themselves were directly inserted into the genome, however.
    Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 8 Apr. 2025
  • But inserting yourself, even with unspoken opinions, is going to lead to hard feelings.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Moreover, the reason politicians may want to interfere in monetary policy is that low interest rates remain a potent, quick method to boost an economy.
    Ana Carolina Garriga, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Reigns returned in March to interfere in a cage match between Rollins and Punk.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • To that end, the show creators introduced Catherine O’Hara as Joel’s therapist Gail in the first episode of Season 2.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Narrated by Brendan Fraser, the stunning feature film introduces Leo, a handsome sea lion pup who’s learning how to navigate life alongside his mother, Luna.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Interpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interpose. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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