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 current acting administrator, David Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer who had been the assistant secretary for countering weapons of mass destruction at the Department of Homeland Security, warned the FEMA staff not to try to impede upcoming changes. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2025

Others are worried the phaseout of the renewable energy tax breaks will impede businesses using them to invest in green energy projects in many states. —Joey Cappelletti, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025

According to court documents, McIver is facing two counts of assaulting, resisting, and impeding an HSI agent and an ICE officer. —Chantelle Lee, Time, 20 May 2025

The Justice Department announced charges against McIver on May 19 for assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement related to an altercation at a Newark immigration facility. —Deborah Barfield Berry, USA Today, 22 May 2025