impediment

noun

im-ˈpe-də-mənt How to pronounce impediment (audio)
Definition of impedimentnext
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult tough going for the burros on the canyon trail, even without the added impediment of heavy loads

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of impediment In listing their roster for the late-August window of World Cup qualifying, Greek’s federation made clear there were no NBA impediments. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026 Beyond those obvious impediments, Elkins was coming off a nasty stoppage loss in his previous fight against Julian Erosa at UFC 314 in April 2025. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 That was an impediment to the kind of study the researchers planned to conduct. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 The biggest impediment to any ongoing story is that, as Big Bads go, Jeremiah Paulson is awful. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impediment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impediment
  1. obstacle
  2. hurdle
  3. obstruction
  4. embarrassment
  5. barrier
Noun
  • Bond yields Persistent inflation, tariffs and whipsawing gas prices are not the only obstacles complicating the task for the Fed.
    — Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The emotional incompatibility of self-care Applebaum said that even those who can overcome the practical obstacles often still struggle to take care of themselves.
    — Elissa Strauss, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • But Oxley, writing in a commentary, cautioned that there are logistical hurdles and said the value of Venezuela’s reserves may have been exaggerated under former President Hugo Chavez.
    — Collin Binkley, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Secondly, insurance and safety inspections remain critical hurdles.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • In December 2019, the House impeached Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress stemming from his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate then-former Vice President Joe Biden while withholding military aid.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Her boyfriend, 18-year-old Royce Moser, has been charged with homicide and counts related to tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, obstruction and conspiracy.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • He’s particularly drawn to episodes that are discomforting for his countrymen—the Dreyfus Affair, and, a recent obsession, French accommodation in Nazi rule during the Occupation, a national embarrassment that was long passed over in silence.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Just the latest embarrassment from the worst president in any of our lifetimes.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of embarrassment
Noun
  • The two sides were also in touch on monitoring a barrier lake that risks flooding and imperiling rescue workers.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The lab behind the glass barrier is a laboratory automation installation, built around a conveyor system.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of barrier

Browse Nearby Words

impedes
impediment
impedimenta
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impediment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impediment. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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