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.

“The shift away from tent-dwelling towards rough sleeping will impede strategies to resolve unsheltered homelessness,” the new report said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

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

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

So doing would impede the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has long directed Iran’s nuclear program, but that is hardly enough.

From The Wall Street Journal • 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

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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