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
• encumber
• interfere (with)
• restrain
• block
• constrain
• hobble
• cramp
• clog
• tie up
• fetter
• thwart
• short-circuit
• handcuff
• frustrate
• 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
• derail
• strangle
• arrest
• sabotage
• confine
• tether
• choke
• barricade
• bog (down)
• baffle
• smother
• blockade
• chain
• suffocate
• leash
• repress
• roadblock
• foil
• suppress
• 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

Calderón pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to impede, obstruct, impair and defeat the lawful function of Homeland Security Investigations within federal jurisdiction. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Schwank also took issue with ICE’s characterization that Moreida was standing in the middle of an active road and impeding law enforcement’s actions. — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

Federal officials argue that California’s refusal to review the federal list or set aside the associated ballots impedes enforcement. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

The stigma of a record impedes their ability to get a job, leaving them unable to afford market-rate housing at a time when affordable housing is already limited. — Lake County News-Sun, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026