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.

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

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

Last week, Canada’s Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne ordered government departments to remove policies that impede competition.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 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

He said that Ising’s two AI models, Ising Calibration and Ising Decoder, tackle major challenges that could otherwise impede the creation of quantum systems.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

He was half tempted to go pick it for Trina, but he knew she’d scold him within an inch of his life if he dared impede the progress of the forest.

From "The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book Four; Origin)" by James Dashner

Vocabulary lists containing impede

List 1

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The Tragedy of Macbeth

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Monster

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