Moderate

/ˈmɒdəɹət/ · adjective

Meaning

Not excessive; acting in moderation.

Definitions by Sense

1. Not excessive; acting in moderation
2. (pathology) more than mild, less than severe
3. Mediocre
4. Average priced; standard-deal
5. Not violent or rigorous; temperate; mild; gentle.
6. (US, politics) Having an intermediate position between liberal and conservative.
7. One who holds an intermediate position between extremes, as in politics.
8. (Christianity, historical) One of a party in Scottish Church history dominant in the 18th century, lax in doctrine and discipline, but intolerant of evangelicalism and popular rights. It caused the secessions of 1733 and 1761, and its final resultant was the Disruption of 1843.

Example Sentences

moderate language

a moderate Calvinist

travelling at a moderate speed

A number of moderate members managed […] to obtain a majority in a thin house.

a moderate winter

These are called the Islands of the Blest; rains fall there seldom, and in moderate showers, but for the most part they have gentle breezes, bringing along with them soft dews

While the moderates usually propose political compromise, it's often only achieved when the extremists allow them so

The moderates are the natural advocates of ecumenism against the fanatics of their churches.

Synonyms for moderate

Antonyms for moderate

Related Words

Word Forms

• more moderate
• most moderate
• moderates
• moderating
• moderated

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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