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

Examples of interfere in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The government has argued that Combs tried to interfere in the prosecution by reaching out to witnesses, including one who received a grand jury subpoena, and victims. Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Sep. 2024 The indictment comes after the Biden administration announced a series of actions on Wednesday against the Russian government related to efforts to interfere in the 2024 election. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 5 Sep. 2024 When Rogers disappeared, he was fired from his position as police officer with Bardstown Police after interfering in the investigation. Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 4 Sep. 2024 The Commerce Clause entrusts Congress with the exclusive authority to regulate interstate commerce; a bill that commands changes to a facility might be seen as unduly interfering. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for interfere 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interfere.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near interfere

Cite this Entry

“Interfere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interfere. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

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