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Definitions

moderate

[mod-er-it, mod-rit, mod-uh-reyt] / ˈmɒd ər ɪt, ˈmɒd rɪt, ˈmɒd əˌreɪt /
ADJECTIVE
calm, temperate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
balanced bearable cautious conservative gentle limited middle-of-the-road mild modest neutral not extreme pleasant reasonable soft steady tame temperate tolerable tolerant
STRONG
abstinent compromising considered controlled cool deliberate disciplined even measured midway nonpartisan pacific reserved restrained sober straight
WEAK
careful considerate dispassionate equable impartial inconsiderable inexpensive judicious low-key monotonous not excessive peaceable tranquil untroubled
Antonyms
STRONGEST
biased bright harsh imbalanced incautious intolerable loud prejudiced rough strong unacceptable unbearable unlimited unmanageable violent wild
STRONG
agitated different excited extroverted friendly outgoing partial unfair
WEAK
considerable excessive extravagant extreme immoderate liberal outrageous significant uncontrolled unreasonable unrestrained
ADJECTIVE
fair, average, so-so
Synonyms
STRONG
intermediate mean medium middling ordinary piddling trifling
WEAK
bland fair to middling fairish inconsequential inconsiderable indifferent mediocre paltry passable trivial unexceptional
Antonyms
STRONG
extraordinary extreme important significant
WEAK
considerable excessive extravagant immoderate liberal outrageous uncontrolled unlimited unreasonable unrestrained violent wild
VERB
restrain, control
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abate alleviate constrain cool curb decrease die down diminish lessen mitigate modify reduce slacken slow soften subdue subside temper tone down wane
STRONG
allay appease assuage calm chasten check decline fall modulate mollify pacify qualify quiet regulate relent relieve repress soft pedal tame
WEAK
cool out ease off let up meet halfway play down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aggravate develop enlarge expand extend grow incite increase intensify irritate magnify prolong raise release rise strengthen upset
STRONG
agitate aid allow ascend assist go up help permit provoke trouble worry
WEAK
egg on free let go liberate turn over unleash
VERB
mediate, arbitrate
Synonyms
STRONG
chair judge negotiate preside referee umpire
WEAK
make peace take the chair
Antonyms
WEAK
egg on free incite let go liberate turn over unleash
NOUN
person with moderate views
Synonyms
STRONGEST
centrist mainstreamer middle-of-the-roader moderatist
Antonyms
STRONGEST
extremist radical revolutionary revolutionist ultraist

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In contrast, ants given low or moderate amounts of caffeine quickly became more efficient.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

A 60/40 stock/bond mix would be moderate for someone who has funds beyond a retirement account to draw down.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

The airline said in court documents earlier this month that it expects fuel price volatility to moderate and return to more normal levels in the second half of May.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Eventually, Ford can earn $3 a share as EV losses moderate.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Because those who were targeted were typically poor or of moderate means, they often lacked the resources to hire an attorney or pay the considerable court costs.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Vocabulary lists containing moderate

Liberty, Equality, Vocabulary: The French Revolution

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"The Flight of Icarus," Vocabulary from the myth

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"Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!