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

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 The imbalance can impede the normal absorption of fluids in the gut, leading to watery diarrhea. —

James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024 Sign up for Axios Login Sam Sabin Dec 6, 2024 - Technology The long, complex road to securing U.S. telcos Old equipment and years of mergers and acquisitions are likely impeding the ability of telecommunications providers to toss Beijing out of their networks. —

Sam Sabin, Axios, 13 Dec. 2024 Less of the Same Policies that stimulated economic growth in the second half of the 1900s now impede it. —

Wal Van Lierop, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 Trying to rest in a room that is too warm—which can easily occur in the winter months—can impede your sleep. —

Sherri Gordon, Health, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impede

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impede

Verb

First, the cyclical economic impact of high interest rates and restrictive monetary policy has hindered investment, and by extension, growth and hiring.

Chris Westfall, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Related article An owl’s ‘shocking’ color should hinder hunting.

Julianna Bragg, CNN, 18 Dec. 2024