IMPEDE Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'impede' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of impede are block , hinder , and obstruct . While all these words mean "to interfere with the activity or progress of," impede implies making forward progress difficult by clogging, hampering, or fettering. // tight clothing that impedes movement

Q: When could 'block' be used to replace 'impede'?

The meanings of block and impede largely overlap; however, block implies complete obstruction to passage or progress. // a landslide blocked the road

Q: When is it sensible to use 'hinder' instead of 'impede'?

The synonyms hinder and impede are sometimes interchangeable, but hinder stresses causing harmful or annoying delay or interference with progress. // rain hindered the climb

Q: In what contexts can 'obstruct' take the place of 'impede'?

In some situations, the words obstruct and impede are roughly equivalent. However, obstruct implies interfering with something in motion or in progress by the sometimes intentional placing of obstacles in the way. // the view was obstructed by billboards

impede

verb

im-ˈpēd

Definition of impede next

as in to hinder

to create difficulty for the work or activity of the construction work impeded the smooth running of the office for several months

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb impede contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of impede are block, hinder, and obstruct. While all these words mean "to interfere with the activity or progress of," impede implies making forward progress difficult by clogging, hampering, or fettering.

tight clothing that impedes movement

When could block be used to replace impede?

The meanings of block and impede largely overlap; however, block implies complete obstruction to passage or progress.

a landslide blocked the road

When is it sensible to use hinder instead of impede?

The synonyms hinder and impede are sometimes interchangeable, but hinder stresses causing harmful or annoying delay or interference with progress.

rain hindered the climb

In what contexts can obstruct take the place of impede?

In some situations, the words obstruct and impede are roughly equivalent. However, obstruct implies interfering with something in motion or in progress by the sometimes intentional placing of obstacles in the way.

the view was obstructed by billboards

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 impede Iris’ dreams of becoming an artist are impeded by her oppressive boss and rigid social structure of the 1850s. —

Peter White, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026 Brunson laid a perfect screen, impeding Hawks forward Jalen Johnson. —

Fred Katz, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 At this point, there appears to be nothing impeding shipbuilding orders reaching Groton and work on the Virginia and Columbia submarines is expected to continue for decades. —

Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026 Critics, meanwhile, say the legislation would impede on First Amendment rights. —

Linh Tat, Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impede

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impede

Verb

Allen's lawyers further argued that the conditions hinder him from participating in his defense.

— James Powel, USA Today, 3 May 2026
Columbia Business School professor Gernot Wagner said more Americans will ultimately adopt EVs despite the roadblocks that are hindering ownership.

— Morgan Korn, ABC News, 3 May 2026