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 of impede in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In April 2023, Lewis was indicted on three charges: influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official by threat; obstruction of justice and contempt, the release states. —

Vivian Barrett, The Arizona Republic, 7 Aug. 2024 Between the lines: While some cities like Charlotte suffer a radar gap that impedes weather warnings, the DMV is extremely well-covered by radars around Dulles, Reagan National, and beyond that can detect the first hints of tornado activity and help warn the public. —

Anna Spiegel, Axios, 12 Aug. 2024 The problem with worm castings is that they are often applied in a thick layer that stays wet and creates anaerobic conditions in the soil or around the crown (where trunk meets roots), causing a bacterial infection that impedes plant growth or worse. —

Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 10 Aug. 2024 Blight is particularly acute in downtown, still struggling to recover from the economic effects of the pandemic, and impeding city efforts to revitalize the area. —

George Avalos, The Mercury News, 10 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.

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“Impede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impede. Accessed 17 Sep. 2024.

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Last Updated: 6 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of impede

verb

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Examples of impede in a Sentence

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