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

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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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of impede Chief Operating Officer Anthony Hall said construction continued to impede on-time performance. —

Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 Dec. 2024 Aniston’s vocal work runs completely complementary to Taylor’s, never impeding or overtaking the spotlight on her avatar’s acting. —

Courtney Howard, Variety, 27 Nov. 2024 Lawyers for Trump have made the argument that his performance as president would be impeded if the case remained active and that it should be dismissed. —

Niall Stanage, The Hill, 25 Nov. 2024 Trump has pledged to fire bureaucrats who would impede his agenda during his second term. —

Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impede

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impede

Verb

Jermaine Johnson’s absence due to a season-ending Achilles injury has hindered the Jets’ pass rush.

Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 8 Dec. 2024
Trump frequently criticized Powell during his first term, accusing the Fed of keeping rates too high and hindering economic growth.

Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024