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

The law enforcement steps have alarmed election officials and Democrats who fear that the administration is building an argument for interfering in this year’s midterm elections. —Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2026

That is, the government did not interfere in any way with which religious schools could receive the funds. —David Kay, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026

The administration argues that the department can grant or revoke the temporary protections and judges should not interfere. —Arkansas Online, 27 Feb. 2026

The nine defendants face charges of conspiring against the rights of religious freedom at a place of worship and injuring, interfering and intimidating with exercising the rights of religious freedom of worship, according to a 14-page grand jury indictment obtained by USA TODAY. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026

Phrases Containing interfere

• interfere (with)