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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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Recent Examples of impede Plymouth is the latest Massachusetts town to adopt a policy restricting local police cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a wave of legislation aimed at impeding the agency’s ability to conduct operations in the state comes out of Beacon Hill. —

Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2026 In the House on March 5, members narrowly rejected a resolution to impede a broader or longer operation. —

Robert Haswell, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2026 This shall not be impeded by the cessation of hostilities. —

Yarden Segev, NBC news, 16 Apr. 2026 Rosario Carrillo-Lopez, 53, pleaded guilty in federal court to forcibly impeding a federal officer through physical contact. —

Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impede

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impede

Verb

Rams boss Les Snead and Chiefs leadership tandem Andy Reid and Brett Veach don’t seem hindered by obstacles either, despite later draft slots and paying future Hall of Fame quarterbacks.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Store them in one layer to avoid crushing, and keep them in cool, dry conditions in the fridge to hinder mold growth.

— Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026