Intercessor
n.kind, thoughtfulformal
What it means
A person who intervenes or appeals on behalf of another.
Reach for it when describing an advocate whose role is to carry someone else's case to authority
The elder served as an intercessor when the displaced tenants requested more time.
Choose between these
6- everyday
go-between
messages pass through a trusted informal intermediary
not when Go-between can imply secrecy and says little about advocacy.
- warm
energetic public support deserves praise
not when Champion is more forceful and sustained than one act of intercession.
- professional
the person actively supports another's rights or interests
not when Advocate is broader and may work publicly without making a direct appeal.
- professional
neutral assistance between parties is required
not when A mediator cannot properly favor the person represented by an intercessor.
- formal
petitioner
the person formally submits a request
not when A petitioner may act for themselves rather than for another.
- formal
sponsor
a recognized supporter vouches for a person or proposal
not when Sponsorship does not necessarily involve conflict or appeal.
Said against
3- opponent
- accuser
- adversary
It naturally appears in
3- act as intercessor
The community nurse agreed to act as intercessor during the benefits review.
- trusted intercessor
A trusted intercessor carried the request without changing its terms.
- effective intercessor
An effective intercessor makes the person's own evidence visible rather than speaking over them.
Where this comes from
- Merriam-Webster, noun sense 1: one who intercedes opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.