impedes

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 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.

Ignoring those, they said, “stifles that debate and our ability to move forward as a nation,” and impedes healing.

From Salon • May 14, 2026

“Decoupling seller profit from buyer satisfaction impedes economic growth and slows innovation. Buyer surplus stagnates and inflation accelerates.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

It deploys natural and social scientific methods to understand what advances and what impedes human flourishing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025

This is partly due to the leaderless nature of these demonstrations, which on the one hand helps protesters evade clampdowns - but also impedes long-term decision-making.

From BBC • Sep. 23, 2025

The state umbrellas were encased in white bags, and the usual cumbrous Abyssinian robe, which effectually impedes all rapid movement, was on this occasion cast aside.

From The Highlands of Ethiopia by Harris, William Cornwallis