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
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Recent Examples of impediment
So, that's a big that's a big impediment.
—
Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Not only does the extant relationship between art and commerce imply no causal relationship between commercial performance and literary quality, but this false implication is itself a pernicious impediment to both the creation and profitable production of great art.
—Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025
Human and workers’ rights, environmental protections, child labor laws, and community standards are general impediments to the profit motives inherent in multilateral free trade agreements.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2025
For many, money was the key impediment.
—Cheri Mossburg, CNN Money, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impediment
Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Not only does the extant relationship between art and commerce imply no causal relationship between commercial performance and literary quality, but this false implication is itself a pernicious impediment to both the creation and profitable production of great art.
—Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025
Human and workers’ rights, environmental protections, child labor laws, and community standards are general impediments to the profit motives inherent in multilateral free trade agreements.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2025
For many, money was the key impediment.
—Cheri Mossburg, CNN Money, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impediment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impediment
Noun
-
Joint pain that turns stairs into obstacles.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
6 Jan. 2026
-
One other obstacle the White House will need to contend with, Hochstein said, is blowback from Gulf countries and from China.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Billing Headaches Clearing the access hurdles to HIV prevention medicine was just the beginning.—
Zach Dyer,
Miami Herald,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Development of Greenland’s mineral resources is challenging because of the island’s harsh climate, while strict environmental controls have proved an additional hurdle for potential investors.—
Danica Kirka,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In the aftermath, hundreds of rioters were charged with federal crimes, including assault, seditious conspiracy and obstruction of an official proceeding.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026
-
William DeFoor was identified as the suspect, and jail records show he was booked Monday on charges of vandalism, obstruction of official business, criminal damaging or endangering, and criminal trespass.—
Stephen Sorace , Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Vulnerability is currency on reality television, and after a season of exposing their own struggles and embarrassments, the other women are annoyed that Meredith wants to keep up appearances.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The current Giants are built to avoid embarrassment, not maximize upside — and Super Bowls require risk.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
As the balance grew, the payment portal became its own barrier.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
-
This soap never strips the skin of moisture, leaving your face and body perfectly cleansed and your skin barrier stronger than before.—
Olivia Rose Rushing,
InStyle,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Impediment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impediment. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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