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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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 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 For some investors, the interest rate gap remains a big impediment for the yen. — Shintaro Inkyo, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026 In developing countries, the high initial cost of new stoves can be a real impediment to switching. — Ashwini Sehgal, The Conversation, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for impediment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impediment
  1. obstacle
  2. hurdle
  3. obstruction
  4. embarrassment
  5. barrier
Noun
  • Travelers leaving Ceuta and Melilla, Spain’s other territory in North Africa, are subject to exit checks at ports and airports, an obstacle for migrants who enter the territories illegally and hope to reach the European continent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The design is meant to move around any obstacles, including the free weights collection near your pilates mat, meaning no more sweaty spots in your home gym.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • An open field across from the Dean and Barbara White Southlake YMCA could potentially be the site of Crown Point’s first pet adoption and resource center but multiple hurdles still remain.
    — Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The organizations, specialists and larger coalition of the willing have to contend with these hurdles.
    — Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • Rachel Moser is charged with hindering the apprehension of a fugitive, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy to commit tampering of evidence, conspiracy to commit abuse of a corpse and obstruction.
    — Michael Guise, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Some may also face charges for battery, obstruction and resisting a police officer.
    — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • My guess is the players might work a little harder to entertain the fans instead of turning what should have been a showcase event into the embarrassment that was this year’s All-Star Weekend.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • And with many of these videos racking up millions of views, the ensuing embarrassment for the unwitting subjects can be palpable.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of embarrassment
Noun
  • But even when care is available, stigma can still present a huge barrier.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Beyond removing the psychological and practical barrier of injections, oral formulations are not reliant on syringes or refrigeration and are cheaper to manufacture.
    — Perdita Nouril, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of barrier

Browse Nearby Words

impedes
impediment
impedimenta
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Cite this Entry

“Impediment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impediment. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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