Synonyms of interfere

interfere

verb

ˌin-tər-ˈfir 

as in to mess

to interest oneself in what is not one's concern

a strong resentment of outsiders who attempted to interfere with their traditional ways of doing things

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mess
• snoop
• intervene
• poke
• meddle
• intrude
• intermeddle
• obtrude
• pry
• butt in
• muck (about or around)
• intercede
• interlope
• invade
• nose
• encroach
• fool
• tamper
• infringe
• interpose
• play
• trespass
• fiddle
• chisel (in)
• monkey
• barge (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• avoid
• ignore
• shun
• disregard
• eschew
• neglect
• overlook

Synonym Chooser

How is the word interfere different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of interfere are intercede, interpose, intervene, and mediate. While all these words mean "to come or go between," interfere implies hindering.

noise interfered with my concentration

When is intercede a more appropriate choice than interfere?

The words intercede and interfere can be used in similar contexts, but intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness.

interceded on our behalf

When can interpose be used instead of interfere?

The meanings of interpose and interfere largely overlap; however, interpose often implies no more than this.

interposed herself between him and the door

Where would intervene be a reasonable alternative to interfere?

While the synonyms intervene and interfere are close in meaning, intervene may imply an occurring in space or time between two things or a stepping in to stop a conflict.

quarreled until the manager intervened

In what contexts can mediate take the place of interfere?

While in some cases nearly identical to interfere, mediate implies intervening between hostile factions.

mediated between the parties

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of interfere

Even though China’s responsibility is an open secret, Western governments have struggled to deter the country from interfering on their soil. —Cora Engelbrecht, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2025

Moscow's involvement in Serbian political affairs also appears to be part of a larger trend in and around Europe, as Russia has also been accused of interfering in elections in Romania and Moldova. —Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025

The complaint, if upheld by the board next month, could be forwarded to the Lake County Prosecutor’s office in reference to electioneering, interfering in the polls and interfering with an election officer. —Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025

Cabinet members reportedly watched the fiery exchange without interfering. —Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Mar. 2025

Phrases Containing interfere

• interfere (with)