Moderate meaning

What does “moderate” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“moderate” is a noun, verb and adjective with 10 meanings. Its most common meaning is: a person who takes a position in the political center.

moderate

a person who takes a position in the political center
Synonymscentrist middle of the roader moderationist

preside over
“John moderated the discussion”
Synonymschair lead
make less fast or intense
“moderate your speed”
lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits
“moderate your alcohol intake”
“hold your tongue”
Synonymscontrol hold in hold contain check curb
make less severe or harsh
“He moderated his tone when the students burst out in tears”
Synonymsmince soften
make less strong or intense; soften
“Tone down that aggressive letter”
“The author finally tamed some of his potentially offensive statements”
Synonymstone down tame
make more temperate, acceptable, or suitable by adding something else
“she tempered her criticism”
Synonymstemper season mollify

being within reasonable or average limits; not excessive or extreme
“moderate prices”
“a moderate income”
Oppositesimmoderate
not extreme
“a moderate penalty”
“temperate in his response to criticism”
Synonymstemperate
marked by avoidance of extravagance or extremes
“moderate in his demands”
“restrained in his response”
Synonymsrestrained

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University