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

Bird-friendly design measures have been effectively mandated with no impediment to development in cities including New York, San Francisco, Toronto, and locally in Evanston, Lake County and Skokie. — Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

Israel’s example challenges the argument outlined by Bo Becker and other researchers at the Center for Policy Research that an insufficient home market size is a key impediment to scaling up young European companies. — Andrew McAfee, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2026

Here, too, Sussman assembles a formidable catalogue of impediments. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

There’s no spark between Gleeson and Frei, and the biggest impediments to the characters’ relationsip are self-imposed (Ned takes himself too seriously). — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026