Synonyms of interfere

interfere

verb

ˌin-tər-ˈfir 

as in to mess

to interest oneself in what is not one's concern

a strong resentment of outsiders who attempted to interfere with their traditional ways of doing things

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mess
• snoop
• intervene
• poke
• meddle
• intrude
• intermeddle
• obtrude
• pry
• butt in
• muck (about or around)
• intercede
• interlope
• invade
• nose
• encroach
• fool
• tamper
• infringe
• interpose
• play
• trespass
• fiddle
• chisel (in)
• monkey
• barge (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• avoid
• ignore
• shun
• disregard
• eschew
• neglect
• overlook

Synonym Chooser

How is the word interfere different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of interfere are intercede, interpose, intervene, and mediate. While all these words mean "to come or go between," interfere implies hindering.

noise interfered with my concentration

When is intercede a more appropriate choice than interfere?

The words intercede and interfere can be used in similar contexts, but intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness.

interceded on our behalf

When can interpose be used instead of interfere?

The meanings of interpose and interfere largely overlap; however, interpose often implies no more than this.

interposed herself between him and the door

Where would intervene be a reasonable alternative to interfere?

While the synonyms intervene and interfere are close in meaning, intervene may imply an occurring in space or time between two things or a stepping in to stop a conflict.

quarreled until the manager intervened

In what contexts can mediate take the place of interfere?

While in some cases nearly identical to interfere, mediate implies intervening between hostile factions.

mediated between the parties

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of interfere

That owner picks the person to lead team ops and doesn’t interfere. —Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025

When in use, the back-corner USB-C ports could prevent the laptop from opening fully, depending on the size of the cable plugged in, though HP’s own charging cable doesn't interfere. —PCMAG, 16 Feb. 2025

These policies are typically in place not to interfere in your personal life but to prevent potential conflicts of interest, favoritism concerns, or workplace disruptions. —Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025

In his first term, President Trump frequently aired his frustrations about the allegations that Russia interfered on his behalf. —Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025

Phrases Containing interfere

• interfere (with)