impede

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

Examples of impede in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In June, a landslide closed a 10-mile stretch of the Teton Pass mountain road for three weeks, impeding the commute between Jackson and less expensive communities in Idaho. Graham Averill, Outside Online, 12 Aug. 2024 Additionally, a shortage of skilled personnel and data literacy can impede efforts to leverage data effectively. Gomathy Periathiruvadi, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024 Even half a degree rise in body temperature can further impede nerve functioning and exacerbate MS symptoms. Timmy Broderick, STAT, 16 Aug. 2024 More:Construction on Columbia Parkway, Wooster Pike, other roads may impede East Side commuters Norwood Lateral westbound Ohio 562, commonly referred to as the Norwood Lateral, closed in the westbound direction in early June. Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impede 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impede.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near impede

Cite this Entry

“Impede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impede. Accessed 29 Sep. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on impede

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