moderator

1 of 2

noun (1)

mod·​er·​a·​tor ˈmä-də-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce moderator (audio)
plural moderators
Synonyms of moderatornext
1
: someone who presides over an assembly, meeting, or discussion: such as
a
: the chairperson of a discussion group
b
: a person who administers an online forum, chat room, or group
c
: the nonpartisan presiding officer of a town meeting
d
: the presiding officer of a Presbyterian governing body
2
: one who arbitrates : mediator
3
: a substance (such as graphite) used for slowing neutrons in a nuclear reactor
moderatorship
ˈmä-də-ˌrā-tər-ˌship How to pronounce moderator (audio)
noun

moderatorship

2 of 2

noun (2)

mod·​er·​a·​tor·​ship ˈmä-də-ˌrā-tər-ˌship How to pronounce moderatorship (audio)
: the position or duties of a moderator

Synonyms of moderator

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Noun (1)

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of moderator in a Sentence

Noun (1) The moderator allowed audience members to ask the governor questions. She acts as the moderator in our office meetings.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Spotify will allow artists to proactively disclose a profile is an AI Persona, but for those who don’t, the platform’s human moderators will do it themselves after a review using their own AI tools. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026 However, a moderator error caused a delay in the stream being removed, a spokesperson confirmed. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026 Frightened fans and moderators from the social platform were among those who called authorities. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 Mike, the moderator of the /porcelainveneerstruth subreddit, has made his corner of the internet a safe space not only for those who regret their veneers, but for people who are looking for guidance on where to start the process. — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for moderator

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of moderator was circa 1560

Rhymes for moderator

See All Rhymes for moderator

Browse Nearby Words

moderato
moderator
moderatorial
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Moderator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moderator. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

moderator

noun
mod·​er·​a·​tor ˈmäd-ə-ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce moderator (audio)
1
: one that moderates: as
a
: the leader of a Presbyterian governing body
b
: the chairperson of a town meeting
c
: the chairperson of a discussion group (as on television)
2
: a substance (as graphite) used for slowing down neutrons in a nuclear reactor

Medical Definition

moderator

noun
mod·​er·​a·​tor ˈmäd-ə-ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce moderator (audio)
: a substance (as graphite, deuterium in heavy water, or beryllium) used for slowing down neutrons in a nuclear reactor

More from Merriam-Webster on moderator

Nglish: Translation of moderator for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about moderator

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