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 Yankees have had a bit of a run with fans interfering on the field. — James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026

The polling punctuates widespread Democratic warnings about Trump laying the groundwork for interfering in the midterm elections by asserting more control over mail-in voting and dispatching Justice Department monitors to polling places. — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Some Security members have expressed concerns that designating political figures would interfere in Haiti’s internal affairs, particularly with elections approaching, while others have criticized the lack of enforcement on an arms embargo. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026

He was supposed to be one-on-one with Reigns before Jimmy Uso interfered and cost him the title. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing interfere

• interfere (with)