1
as in temperate
avoiding extremes in behavior or expression
he was only a moderate drinker, generally stopping after a couple of glasses of wine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in central
avoiding major social change or extreme political ideas
the principal's moderate position on cell phones is that students can use them at school but only for emergencies
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3
as in average
being about midway between extremes of amount or size
a moderate snowfall was forecast for the region
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4
as in mild
marked by temperatures that are neither too high nor too low
a city that is celebrated for its moderate climate
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as in centrist
a person who holds moderate views
to the community's detriment, moderates were often shouted down at town meetings by the local hotheads
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as in to decrease
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
the wind began to moderate as the night wore on
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as in temperance
an avoidance of extremes in one's actions, beliefs, or habits
the kind of person who does everything in moderation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of moderate
Clara Migoya, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025
Because of the fires, moderate to heavy smoke is expected to linger in southwest Colorado, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
—Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 11 July 2025
Eric Lach, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Despite the push from House moderates, Roy and his Freedom Caucus colleagues successfully pushed the bill rightward in the lower chamber.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 17 June 2025
Okla Jones, Essence, 25 June 2025
The final session, moderated by executive editor of international Elsa Keslassy, was about innovating for the future.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Adjective
Ticks thrive in brushy or wooded areas with moderate temperatures and some humidity.
—Clara Migoya, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025
Because of the fires, moderate to heavy smoke is expected to linger in southwest Colorado, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
—Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 11 July 2025
Noun
In 2021, Eric Adams succeeded de Blasio with a potent mix of Black votes plus moderates of various creeds and colors.
—Eric Lach, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Despite the push from House moderates, Roy and his Freedom Caucus colleagues successfully pushed the bill rightward in the lower chamber.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 17 June 2025
Verb
One of the weekend’s major highlights includes a live NPR Tiny Desk conversation with Maxwell, moderated by producer Bobby Carter.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 25 June 2025
The final session, moderated by executive editor of international Elsa Keslassy, was about innovating for the future.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moderate
Adjective
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Located on the North Island near the Manawatū River, Palmerston (Palmy, colloquially) is representative of many cities around the world, with a largely temperate climate and a population of around 91,000 residents.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
7 May 2025
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Today, these ants primarily live in undisturbed and temperate eastern North American forests.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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Isolated thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening for central and eastern Siskiyou County.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
6 July 2025
-
There is still a risk for more rain in central Texas.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
Adjective
-
According to Baseball Savant, his average fastball of 92.4 mph is in just the 21st percentile of pitchers in the game, but his fastball’s run value is in the 89th percentile.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
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The average rate of failure on these inspections was 13%, according to Mayes.—
Jose R. Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
Possible side effects of the vaccine, which the CDC says are usually mild, include soreness, redness or swelling; fever; mild rash; and temporary pain and stiffness in the joints.—
Jenny Porter Tilley,
IndyStar,
11 July 2025
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Country Music Hall of Famer Ray Stevens, 86, underwent successful heart surgery after a mild heart attack.—
Marcus K. Dowling,
The Tennessean,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
The recent data represents a downward trend as COVID-19 cases and deaths have decreased statewide into early summer, the state dashboard shows.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
7 July 2025
-
Revenue has remained relatively stagnant, decreasing slightly from $153 million to $152 million over the past year.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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These moves have prompted concern among segments of Trump's base supportive of a restrained international role, raising questions about the administration's direction ahead of a crucial 2026 midterm election cycle.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
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As Rick, Goggins got to show longtime fans and incoming members of his fan club a rarer side of the actor: quiet, restrained, in deep amounts of unspoken pain.—
Josh Wigler,
HollywoodReporter,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
New Canaan, where the median annual household income is $163,355, was granted a moratorium earlier this year that temporarily exempts it from lawsuits under 8-30g.—
Ginny Monk,
Hartford Courant,
11 July 2025
-
In May, the median home price in the Space City fell 1.5 percent year-over-year to $339,900, lagging behind the 1 percent gain reported by the nationwide market.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
The sunrise alarm clock gradually brightens your room with a simulated sunrise for a gentle wake-up.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
5 July 2025
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Hand wash with gentle soap and cold water, avoiding soaking, and use a mesh bag if machine washing is necessary.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Moderate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moderate. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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