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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of moderate
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2025
Overall, nearly 40% of California is experiencing drought conditions, with 18.3% classified as abnormally dry, 15.1% in moderate drought, 17.6% in severe drought, 7.0% in extreme drought and 0.1% in exceptional drought, a May 20 report said.
—Terry Collins, USA Today, 28 May 2025
The Editors, National Review, 12 May 2025
Tellingly, even in a Church that has deep ideological divisions between progressives like the late Francis, moderates and conservatives, there is continuation, both historical and functional.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 May 2025
Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 21 May 2025
In a conversation at the first annual Flow Space Women’s Health Summit LA moderated by Flow Space editor-in-chief Galina Espinoza, Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, founder and author of Menopause Bootcamp and chief clinical officer of Monarch MD, discussed the implications of this research.
—Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Adjective
The early options on the GOP side are bleak: Neither Donalds nor Casey DeSantis, the governor’s wife who’s said to be interested in succeeding him, is the moderate Florida so desperately needs now.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2025
Overall, nearly 40% of California is experiencing drought conditions, with 18.3% classified as abnormally dry, 15.1% in moderate drought, 17.6% in severe drought, 7.0% in extreme drought and 0.1% in exceptional drought, a May 20 report said.
—Terry Collins, USA Today, 28 May 2025
Noun
Besides, if the bill goes down, the taxpayers that moderates are trying to protect with a higher SALT deduction will see their marginal rates increase and a return of the old AMT (which would often negate the SALT deduction).
—The Editors, National Review, 12 May 2025
Tellingly, even in a Church that has deep ideological divisions between progressives like the late Francis, moderates and conservatives, there is continuation, both historical and functional.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 May 2025
Verb
Kat Corbett will moderate another book event in California, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles on Wednesday, May 28.
—Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 21 May 2025
In a conversation at the first annual Flow Space Women’s Health Summit LA moderated by Flow Space editor-in-chief Galina Espinoza, Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, founder and author of Menopause Bootcamp and chief clinical officer of Monarch MD, discussed the implications of this research.
—Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for moderate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moderate
Adjective
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Spanish canals operated in a temperate climate and were managed by individual farmers who could maintain or increase their water flow.—
Ari Caramanica,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2025
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In fact, the more temperate weather can be the best time to snuggle up outside, sit by a fire pit, and enjoy a new piece of outdoor furniture.—
Shea Simmons,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Irrespective of the taker, Inter’s delivery is often placed perfectly towards the central zones — close to the penalty spot — for team-mates to attack.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
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The recipe is based on an ancient wheat, which is best suited to drought conditions — shedding light on the climate of central Turkey during the Bronze Age.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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On average, female participants took about 4.5 bites to finish their pizza slice, while men took just 2.1 bites. Number of chews.—
Brian Mastroianni,
Health,
23 May 2025
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How to build credit as an authorized user on a credit card What is the average credit score in the U.S.?—
Jackie Charniga,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Much of Drive-Away Dolls could be described as mild.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
23 May 2025
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That’s a mild surprise considering John Cena will face R-Truth on the same card.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Verb
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The top three contributors to hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 June 2025
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As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
1 June 2025
Adjective
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An all-out self-deprecating ad could be warranted if the goal is to simply raise brand awareness, while a more restrained approach might be needed to avoid distraction if an ad includes technical details about a new product.—
Anton Naianzin,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
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Plus, How to Use It In Your Home For pattern, using a rug with an oversized, neutral pattern keeps within a restrained palette but still creates visual interest.—
Eleni N. Gage,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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Rounding out the top three are San Jose, California and San Francisco, where homeowners paid a median $9,554 and $8,156, respectively.—
Ana Teresa Solá,
CNBC,
24 May 2025
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That fell short of the median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists and marked the weakest April since 2009.—
Bloomberg,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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The two-piece gown featured a sculpted bodice with a gentle curve at the neckline and a drop waist that nodded to early 2000s silhouettes.—
Karissa Mitchell,
Essence,
30 May 2025
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Bruce Banner / Hulk Though he’s known for quick temper, this gentle green giant, clad in bright purple pants, has dedicated to using his super strength to help Spidey and his friends as a friend, not a foe.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Moderate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moderate. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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