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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of moderate
David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
There is a moderate risk of rip currents at all area beaches.
—Garfield Hylton, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2025
Jim Nowlan, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Some Republican fiscal hardliners want the plan to include even deeper cuts while several moderates from swing districts fear voters will punish them for going along with deep cuts to popular social programs.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2025
Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
While home prices have risen nationally, the rate of increase has moderated compared to the double-digit growth observed during the pandemic years.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Adjective
Since last year, there has also been an increase in moderate earthquakes, seismologist Lucy Jones told the The Los Angeles Times.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
There is a moderate risk of rip currents at all area beaches.
—Garfield Hylton, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
And once elected, the legislators from the wings can ignore independents and moderates, who will not be a factor in the next primary election.
—Jim Nowlan, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Some Republican fiscal hardliners want the plan to include even deeper cuts while several moderates from swing districts fear voters will punish them for going along with deep cuts to popular social programs.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
Despite the bumpy return to historically normal price increases, forecasters expected inflation to resume its descent the first half of this year as rent increases – the biggest inflation driver – continued to moderate.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
While home prices have risen nationally, the rate of increase has moderated compared to the double-digit growth observed during the pandemic years.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moderate
Adjective
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The temperate weather eliminates the need for expensive insulation, heating systems, and other winter-proofing measures typical of northern builds.—
Katherine McLaughlin,
Architectural Digest,
11 Mar. 2025
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Unlike the Antarctic of today, Late-Cretaceous Antarctica was warmer and wetter, with temperate weather and lush vegetation.—
Sam Walters,
Discover Magazine,
5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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That’s based on travel from Eagle County (farther north than the other release location of Pitkin County) to central Wyoming.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
21 Mar. 2025
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Dozens Killed in Massive Storm as Tornadoes and Wildfires Sweep Across U.S. Tornadoes possible Severe thunderstorms were possible in central Illinois with risks of hail, strong wind and tornadoes.—
TIME,
TIME,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The handy kit was designed by doctors and is a favorite among Amazon shoppers, with a 4.7-star average rating.—
Katie Jackson,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Mar. 2025
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Aside from waiting until the average last frost date has passed, the seedlings will give signs when they can be transplanted outside.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Tucker was later treated for mild concussion and has launched a lawsuit against Everett.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
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The mayor, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, has felt mild symptoms while quarantined in his home.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Starmer, a centrist, will be in Washington on Thursday, following Monday's White House visit by French President Emmanuel Macron.—
Fatima Al-Kassab,
NPR,
26 Feb. 2025
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The speaker had faced immense pressure from some on his right flank, which is typical for contentious bills, but also centrists — who typically back leadership on spending and governing issues.—
Rachel Schilke,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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By April 2024, fuel costs peaked for the year before starting to decrease again in May.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
21 Mar. 2025
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These systems reduce manual checks, decreasing staff needed for routine tasks without replacing them entirely.—
Chris Ciabarra,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The statement, written by lawmakers who are typically more restrained in their comments given their sensitive roles on security issues, contained some of the party’s most pointed criticism yet of Mr. Trump and Mr. Musk just hours before the president was to address a joint session of Congress.—
Carl Hulse,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2025
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His restrained direction keeps the brothers in check and underpowered.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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With the stock significantly off its highs and now trading closer to its historical median multiple, one analyst took a more bullish stance .—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
13 Mar. 2025
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In 2017, the median home price in California was more than 2.5 times the national median, with coastal urban areas experiencing even higher prices.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Moderate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moderate. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.
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