as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
tough going for the burros on the canyon trail, even without the added impediment of heavy loads
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 impediment
In fact, the data showed that more than 60 million families don’t play together at all, with those surveyed citing barriers such as work, screen time, household chores, cost and a lack of safe spaces as impediments to fun.
—
Angelique Jackson, Variety, 1 June 2026
The only real impediment is our will to do what’s necessary for our safety and that of the Free World.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
One key impediment to making bigger optical interferometers has been the loss of precious photons along the path between them.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 27 May 2026
Perhaps the largest impediment to his title hopes over the next decade.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for impediment
Angelique Jackson, Variety, 1 June 2026
The only real impediment is our will to do what’s necessary for our safety and that of the Free World.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
One key impediment to making bigger optical interferometers has been the loss of precious photons along the path between them.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 27 May 2026
Perhaps the largest impediment to his title hopes over the next decade.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for impediment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impediment
Noun
-
Autonomy in this case involves being able to reach destinations by using camera images to navigate around obstacles such as craters and pits without the involvement of mission control.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
13 June 2026
-
Despite the obstacles, anticipation has been building across the capital.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
The city witnessed Carl Lewis win four Olympic gold medals, cheered Valerie Brisco-Hooks’ historic golden double and watched Edwin Moses extend his 400-meter hurdles unbeaten streak.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2026
-
The antitrust hurdle cleared by Paramount comes as state attorneys general in California, New York and almost a dozen other states are contemplating an antitrust suit to put the brakes on what would become a mega-studio.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Julie Chrisley was also charged with wire fraud and obstruction of justice.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
-
Fans were arrested on charges such as suspicion of assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon (a knife), reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration, and trademark counterfeiting, the NYPD said.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
The Moscow attack was the latest embarrassment for Putin.—
Barry Hatton,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
-
Democrats aren't buying it, saying the White House is simply trying to avoid an embarrassment for the president.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Darren Aronofsky has now crossed the AI barrier as well, using it to make a series of web videos about the Revolutionary War.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
18 June 2026
-
Video posted to social media showed the plane on its side and smashed into a highway barrier as the tail was ripped from the fuselage.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Impediment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impediment. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
