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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.

Adam Miller, who made a fortune on education software, has been courting moderate voters.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

The analyst expects upbeat commentary from management regarding Foundayo “despite what has been a fairly moderate launch out of the gate.”

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Evidence with moderate certainty showed that aerobic exercise reduced pain in both the short and mid-term.

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2026

A $500,000 portfolio invested at a moderate long‑term rate could grow to $800,000 to $1 million over the next decade, based on historical averages.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

If Father weren’t so patient, I’d have long ago given up hope of ever meeting my parents’ quite moderate expectations.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

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

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