moderate

Balanced or within reasonable limits, rather than very strong, large, or extreme.

• She holds moderate political views.
• Moderate exercise can help you sleep better.
• The company expects moderate growth this year.

Similar words: reasonable, balanced

Opposites: extreme

Common phrases: moderate views, moderate exercise, moderate amount

Gentle or mild, without great force or harsh conditions.

• We had a moderate winter.
• A moderate breeze cooled the room.
• The coast enjoys moderate temperatures throughout the year.

Similar words: mild, gentle, temperate

Opposites: harsh, severe

Common phrases: moderate winter, moderate climate, moderate wind

To lead a meeting or discussion and make sure everyone follows its rules.

• Anna will moderate the debate.
• He moderated a panel on education.
• Who is moderating tomorrow’s discussion?

Similar words: chair, lead

Common phrases: moderate a debate, moderate a discussion, moderate a panel

To oversee people’s exchanges, enforce rules, and help them reach agreement.

• Volunteers moderate the forum.
• She moderated the dispute until both sides agreed.
• We need someone to moderate these comments.

Similar words: mediate, oversee

Common phrases: moderate a forum, moderate online comments, moderate a dispute

To become less strong, extreme, or severe.

• The wind began to moderate.
• His political views moderated with age.
• Price increases should moderate next year.

Similar words: ease, lessen, soften

Opposites: intensify

Common phrases: views moderate, winds moderate, prices moderate

To add a material that slows tiny particles in a nuclear reactor, helping its reactions continue.

• Graphite is used to moderate the reactor.
• They moderated the reactor with heavy water.
• This design uses ordinary water to moderate the reactor.

How to use it: moderate something with something (Engineers moderate the reactor with heavy water.)

Common phrases: moderate a reactor, moderate with graphite

A person whose political views are between extreme positions.

• She is a moderate in her party.
• The moderates supported a compromise.
• Can a moderate win this election?

Similar words: centrist

Opposites: extremist

Common phrases: a political moderate, a leading moderate