Meaning & use

moderate

adjective·Everyday

Last updated

average in amount, intensity, or degree; not extreme

See it in a sentence

The forecast calls for moderate rain throughout the afternoon.

He holds fairly moderate political views, avoiding either extreme.

A note on using this word

As a verb (pronounced with a different final syllable), 'to moderate' means to make something less extreme or to preside over a discussion, as in 'moderate a debate.'

Words with a similar meaning

averagereasonable

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

extremeexcessive

Another way to use it

2. verb

to preside over or control a discussion, meeting, or debate

She moderated the panel discussion between the three candidates.

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