impair

Synonym Chooser

How is the word impair distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of impair are damage, harm, hurt, injure, and mar. While all these words mean "to affect injuriously," impair suggests a making less complete or efficient by deterioration or diminution.

years of smoking had impaired his health

In what contexts can damage take the place of impair?

The meanings of damage and impair largely overlap; however, damage suggests injury that lowers value or impairs usefulness.

a table damaged in shipping

When might harm be a better fit than impair?

While the synonyms harm and impair are close in meaning, harm often stresses the inflicting of pain, suffering, or loss.

careful not to harm the animals

When could hurt be used to replace impair?

The words hurt and impair are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hurt implies inflicting a wound to the body or to the feelings.

hurt by their callous remarks

When is injure a more appropriate choice than impair?

Although the words injure and impair have much in common, injure implies the inflicting of anything detrimental to one's looks, comfort, health, or success.

badly injured in an accident

When would mar be a good substitute for impair?

While in some cases nearly identical to impair, mar applies to injury that spoils perfection (as of a surface) or causes disfigurement.

the text is marred by many typos

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of impair Prosecutor Jordan Kramer pointed out that between 2006 and 2011, Huger had been involved in three prior cases, including one conviction for driving while impaired and another for driving under the influence. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 26 Feb. 2025 Such impacts could impair astronauts' ability to perform physically demanding tasks like spacewalks, and affect their ability to handle equipment and perform repairs. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 19 Feb. 2025 Prior to her death, Johnson-Schroeder, who was cognitively impaired and homeless, had sought help from LaRoche, a nurse, following the loss of her mother. Nicole Acosta, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025 If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Bay Area Weather Report, The Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impair
Verb
  • Pimenov’s girlfriend was critically injured in the strike and remains in hospital, the report said.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025
  • And in February, a driver plowed into a protest group in Munich injuring at least 28 people.
    Rachel McRady, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Moon dust plagued astronauts and spacecraft during NASA’s Apollo program in the mid-20th century, as the fine and abrasive material damaged camera lenses and visors, according to NASA.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Displays of authenticity, executed improperly, can damage reputations and even derail careers.
    Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • His final season was marred by a shoulder injury and insufficient QB play, but Loveland still led the Wolverines in receptions (56), receiving yards (582) and receiving TDs (five).
    Eddie Brown, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The election took place seven months earlier than originally planned after Scholz’s unpopular coalition collapsed in November, three years into a term that was increasingly marred by infighting.
    Vanessa Gera, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Fed officials are closely monitoring inflation and the labor market for signs of a potentially weakening economy.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2025
  • But the Trump administration's new cuts further weaken a banking watchdog that has been sounding the alarm for years about its decreasing ability to prevent future banking crises.
    Maria Aspan, NPR, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • About six weeks ago, hackers crippled the computer systems of the TV and mobile phone provider Dish Network.
    Shira Ovide, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2023
  • Oakland Mills Coach: Chris Brewington Last season: Class 2A state champion Outlook: Losing the talent Oakland Mills did from last year’s outdoor season would cripple most programs, but the Scorpions have reloaded.
    Anthony Maluso, Baltimore Sun, 22 Mar. 2023
Verb
  • Weak sales have hurt the value of Tesla shares, which had climbed 91% after Election Day, peaking just before Christmas, as investors anticipated Musk and his electric car company would be big winners in Donald Trump’s second term.
    Chris Isidore, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
  • One person has been physically hurt — a worshipper who suffered burns in a fire that was set at a Melbourne synagogue in December.
    TIME, TIME, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In today’s environment, where DEI programs are under attack and frequently misunderstood, leaders who invest in building and supporting diverse teams unlock a broader range of perspectives, fueling better decision-making without compromising on standards or quality.
    Rebekah Bastian, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Does that critical framework become compromised with the infusion of ethnic studies as the primary content?
    Marsha Sutton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Spinrad said the cuts, especially of researchers who collect data that feeds into storm models, could erode the quality of hurricane forecasts going forward.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Despite creating jobs and potential environmental benefits, chronic mismanagement and escalating costs have eroded public trust, making continued taxpayer support irresponsible.
    Phillip Molnar, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impair. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impair

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