INTERMEDIATE Synonyms: 138 Similar and Opposite Words

intermediate 1 of 3

adjective

ˌin-tər-ˈmē-dē-ət

Definition of intermediate

as in average

being about midway between extremes of amount or size with a compact being too small and a van too large, we settled on an intermediate-sized sedan

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in halfway

occupying a position equally distant from the ends or extremes although the party activists tend to back candidates with somewhat extreme views, ordinary voters generally prefer the intermediate aspirant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

intermediate

2 of 3

noun

as in intermediary

one who works with opposing sides in order to bring about an agreement she often used her father as an intermediate in arguments with her mother

Synonyms & Similar Words

intermediate

3 of 3

verb

ˌin-tər-ˈmē-dē-ˌāt

as in to intervene

to act as a go-between for opposing sides if the secretary-general chooses to intermediate in this dispute, he'll need all of his diplomatic skills just to get both sides in the same room

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 intermediate

Adjective

This process, known as zoonotic spillover, can occur when humans come into direct contact with wildlife or domestic animals or intermediate animal hosts that carry the pathogen. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Aug. 2026 Which is part of why one of his points of emphasis in this training camp has been on the intermediate kicks — from 40 to 50 yards out. — Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2026

Noun

Many of the chemical catalysts and intermediates that were used to create commercially popular dyes like sulfur black and crystal violet also made great explosives, as was clear from the conflagrations that would break out with some regularity at dye works. — Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026 One supplier of dyes for army uniforms, for example, might be running low for any number of reasons — not enough labor, not enough chemical intermediates, sudden plant explosion at the dye works. — Kory Stamper, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026

Verb

This isn’t a dining guide featuring cuisine from each country participating in the World Cup, but rather a greatest-hits medley of local favorites at three different price points, from inexpensive to intermediate to worth a splurge. — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2026 Players range from beginners to intermediate, although they are required to have been playing at least six months to join. — William Morris, Des Moines Register, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intermediate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intermediate

Adjective

Across this period, there has been a strong correlation between higher average possession and points per game.

— Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
The required earnings amount is adjusted annually to reflect changes in average wages, so the threshold generally rises over time.

— Miranda Marquit, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of average

Adjective

The 26-year-old information technology administrator consumed a Red Bull energy drink around the film's halfway mark to stay alert.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 July 2026
The Pirates are 9 1/2 games behind the National League Central Division leading Milwaukee Brewers – but only two games out of a playoff spot at the halfway point in the season.

— Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of halfway

Noun

Oman, a frequent intermediary between Washington and Tehran, has found its balancing act suddenly precarious.

— Kareem Chehayeb, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Independent Chinese refiners take in the bulk of it, often rebranded as Malaysian or Indonesian crude and settled through intermediaries outside the dollar system, according to Kpler.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of intermediary

Verb

As a result, the law can’t be uniformly enforced across the country unless the Supreme Court intervenes.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
The Nevada Resorts Association, which represents casinos across the state, also intervened as a party in this case and related cases.

— Marshall Cohen, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of intervene

Adjective

Students have opportunities at the middle and high school levels to explore, prepare for and experience potential careers in the agriculture and natural resources industry sector.

— Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
In addition to movies, August has written the Arlo Finch middle-grade trilogy and the bestselling Scriptnotes book, based on his long-running podcast with Craig Mazin.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of middle

Browse Nearby Words

intermediary

intermediate

intermediated

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Style

“Intermediate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intermediate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of intermediate

adjective

noun

verb

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