Synonyms of impediment

impediment

noun

im-ˈpe-də-mənt 

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

• obstacle
• hurdle
• obstruction
• embarrassment
• barrier
• hindrance
• interference
• burden
• inhibition
• deterrent
• handicap
• encumbrance
• let
• chain
• constraint
• shackles
• block
• stop
• stumbling block
• load
• clog
• hitch
• cramp
• delay
• balk
• trammel
• drag
• danger
• disadvantage
• crimp
• manacle
• brake
• fetter
• bar
• blockage
• blockade
• holdback
• hazard
• difficulty
• curb
• restraint
• arrest
• stone wall
• rub
• stoppage
• brick wall
• embargo
• catch
• drawback
• rein
• hardship
• snag
• peril
• stall
• bit
• reef
• hobble
• holdup
• adversity
• check
• cumber

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incentive
• impetus
• stimulus
• advantage
• catalyst
• spur
• benefit
• assistance
• edge
• aid
• stimulant
• break
• goad
• help
• boost
• handmaiden

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of impediment

The United States removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday, lifting what Damascus says was the last major impediment to investing in the country as Washington deepens ties to the new Syrian government. — Reuters, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026

Heat generated during data processing is an impediment to the processing power and scalability of the device. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026

Yellowjackets has proven that being dead is no impediment to returning. — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Aug. 2026

Preconceptions, assumptions, and advance knowledge in the viewing public are regarded as impediments to the capacity of the tale to surprise, startle, or transport. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026