Definitions

impede

[im-peed] / ɪmˈpid /

VERB

obstruct, hinder

Synonyms

STRONGEST

block curb cut off delay deter disrupt hamper interfere retard slow stymie thwart

STRONG

bar brake check clog dam discomfit disconcert embarrass faze freeze oppose rattle restrain stonewall stop

WEAK

blow whistle on close off cramp one's style dead-end flag one hang up hold up saddle with shut down shut off slow down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance aid allow assist encourage expedite forward help permit promote push

STRONG

comfort continue free go liberate open release soothe unblock unclog

WEAK

facilitate support

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Likewise, Epstein saw #MeToo as a problem to be neutralized because the success of any social movement in which women were treated as reliable narrators of their own exploitation would impede his own racket.”

From Salon • May 23, 2026

But that factor is not expected to impede the arrival of SpaceX, OpenAI and Anthropic.

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

Barr warned that proposals to shrink the balance sheet would undermine bank resilience and impede money market functioning.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Feigin, the Justice Department attorney, said a ruling for Chatrie “would impede the investigation of kidnappings, robberies, shootings and other crimes.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

Kendra shoved past Seth and jerked the window shut in time to impede the entrance of a coldly beautiful woman swathed in writhing black garments.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull

Vocabulary lists containing impede

List 1

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The Tragedy of Macbeth

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Monster

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