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

But a 2020 bipartisan report from the Senate Intelligence Committee concluded that Russia did interfere in the election, while detailing contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russian influence actors. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 23 July 2025

Robert Mueller, who ultimately took over the probe as special counsel, concluded that the Russian government interfered to help then-presidential candidate Donald Trump defeat Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, but that there was not evidence anyone in the Trump campaign colluded with Russia. —Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025

Sky positioned herself for an Over the Moonsault, but Ripley interfered, Naomi kicked Ripley off the top rope and hit a split-legged Moonsault. —Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025

If clouds interfere, skywatchers will have another chance when Venus and Jupiter, the two brightest planets, will appear closely paired in the sky. —Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 31 July 2025

Phrases Containing interfere

• interfere (with)