Synonyms of impede

impede

verb

im-ˈpēd 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hinder
• hamper
• obstruct
• embarrass
• inhibit
• stymie
• handicap
• disrupt
• delay
• restrain
• encumber
• interfere (with)
• block
• constrain
• hobble
• cramp
• clog
• tie up
• thwart
• frustrate
• fetter
• short-circuit
• handcuff
• hold back
• shackle
• trammel
• stifle
• hog-tie
• give a hard time
• curb
• tie
• bind
• retard
• retain
• cramp one's style
• manacle
• rein
• hold up
• brake
• check
• balk
• strangle
• derail
• arrest
• confine
• sabotage
• choke
• tether
• barricade
• baffle
• bog (down)
• smother
• blockade
• chain
• suffocate
• leash
• repress
• suppress
• roadblock
• foil
• muzzle
• mire
• halter
• stump
• hedge (in)
• hem (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• facilitate
• help
• assist
• aid
• open
• clear
• liberate
• make way
• release
• promote
• encourage
• free
• loosen
• unclog
• smooth
• unplug
• unstop
• further
• untie

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of impede

The problem is that layers of compressed grass clippings build up on the cutting chamber over time, impeding proper operation of the machine. — David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 22 July 2026

Technological precision impeded the potential of inspiring victories from the likes of Iran, Croatia, and Egypt. — Sean Gregory, Time, 20 July 2026

Movie special effects studios are among the groups opposing the legislation over concerns that overly broad restrictions would impede their work. — Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026

The farmers said the smoke impedes their hay operation, as the haze blocks the sunlight necessary to dry the hay out. — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 17 July 2026