impediment

noun

im-ˈpe-də-mənt How to pronounce impediment (audio)
Definition of impedimentnext
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult tough going for the burros on the canyon trail, even without the added impediment of heavy loads

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 impediment Immediately upon the signing of this MoU, the United States of America will begin the removal of its naval blockade and any disturbances or impediments against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and will fully end the naval blockade within 30 days. — Npr Staff, NPR, 18 June 2026 Cops stood near the hinges of endless yards of metal barricades, pushing the crowds through a maze of physical impediments. — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 June 2026 Immediately upon the signing of this MOU, the United States of America will begin the removal of its naval blockade and any disturbances or impediments against the Islamic Republic of Iran and will fully end the naval blockade within 30 days. — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 17 June 2026 Immediately upon the signing of this MOU, the United States of America will begin the removal of its naval blockade and any disturbances or impediments against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and will fully end the naval blockade within 30 days. — Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for impediment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impediment
  1. obstacle
  2. hurdle
  3. obstruction
  4. embarrassment
  5. barrier
Noun
  • Permitting — more than access to capital — is the main obstacle to building out the global energy system, the heads of the natural resources group at JP Morgan’s investment bank write today.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 9 July 2026
  • Finding locations with sufficient grid capacity has become a primary obstacle for technology companies building new facility hubs.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • To directly address these technical, safety, and regulatory hurdles, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the international energy technology firm Eni have established a new commercial engineering services company named RH3OVA.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
  • There are still some hurdles to get Trout to the game this year.
    — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 5 July 2026
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • The change in the law comes after a July 2025 Kansas Supreme Court ruling decided that Kansas officers may no longer stop cars solely for obstruction of a state name on a license plate.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026
  • Following significant rainfall events, Public Works evaluates reported flooding locations and responds to maintenance issues, such as debris or drainage obstructions, where appropriate.
    — Casey Mann, Arkansas Online, 8 July 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • In the first half of the album, Dean explores unstable characters—bearing some resemblance, perhaps, to their indie-sleaze peers—with both second-hand embarrassment and fascination.
    — Cassidy Sollazzo, Pitchfork, 13 July 2026
  • By every ordinary rule of public life, the South Station scene should have induced annoyance or caused embarrassment.
    — Julia Dhar, Time, 11 July 2026
Definition of embarrassment
Noun
  • In France, youth sports are heavily subsidized by local municipalities and community groups, substantially lowering the barrier for entry.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • In an era where youth sports can cost parents thousands of dollars, a new no-cost league in the historic Northeast neighborhoods launched by the Kansas City Current aims to break down the financial barrier.
    — PJ Green July 11, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
Definition of barrier

Browse Nearby Words

impedes
impediment
impedimenta
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Cite this Entry

“Impediment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impediment. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on impediment

Nglish: Translation of impediment for Spanish Speakers

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