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

Example 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 Regulatory complexity, permitting delays and scrutiny of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors can also impede project timelines. Sahit Muja, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Former Klamath Tribes Chairman Jeff Mitchell, a longtime advocate for dam removal, told The Arizona Republic in 2024 that his tribe had suffered from the dams impeding salmon migration years before the downriver tribes. Debra Utacia Krol, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025 Additionally, debris removal took place, including significant debris that impeded roadways and public spaces, and damage occurred to water control facilities, utilities and parks and recreation facilities. Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025 She’s charged with making a threat to murder a federal official with the intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with Blackburn while she was engaged in the performance of her official duties, the department said. Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impede
Verb
  • The share of businesses saying that lack of transparency was hindering operations fell by 12 percentage points to 16%.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • These challenges not only hinder women’s economic advancement but also limit businesses from reaching their full potential.
    C200, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Currently, only 37% of the more than 5 million tons of trash generated in the county each year is recycled — and even that is hampered by a 40% contamination rate.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If that wasn’t embarrassing enough, then came an ugly post-game brawl that has gone viral on social media all over the world.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Ultimately, the Eagles embarrassed the Chiefs, shutting them out 24-0 in the first half, and captured a 40-22 win.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impede. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impede

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