HINDER Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'hinder' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hinder are block , impede , and obstruct . While all these words mean "to interfere with the activity or progress of," hinder stresses causing harmful or annoying delay or interference with progress. // rain hindered the climb

Q: Where would 'block' be a reasonable alternative to 'hinder'?

The words block and hinder can be used in similar contexts, but block implies complete obstruction to passage or progress. // a landslide blocked the road

Q: When would 'impede' be a good substitute for 'hinder'?

The words impede and hinder are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impede implies making forward progress difficult by clogging, hampering, or fettering. // tight clothing that impedes movement

Q: When could 'obstruct' be used to replace 'hinder'?

The meanings of obstruct and hinder largely overlap; however, obstruct implies interfering with something in motion or in progress by the sometimes intentional placing of obstacles in the way. // the view was obstructed by billboards

hinder 1 of 2

verb

ˈhin-dər

Definition of hinder next

as in to impede

to create difficulty for the work or activity of was not hindered by a lack of money because she could use what food she had on hand

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hinder

2 of 2

adjective

ˈhīn-dər

as in rear

being at or in the part of something opposite the front part the animal's case of mange was especially bad in its hinder parts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb hinder contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hinder are block, impede, and obstruct. While all these words mean "to interfere with the activity or progress of," hinder stresses causing harmful or annoying delay or interference with progress.

rain hindered the climb

Where would block be a reasonable alternative to hinder?

The words block and hinder can be used in similar contexts, but block implies complete obstruction to passage or progress.

a landslide blocked the road

When would impede be a good substitute for hinder?

The words impede and hinder are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impede implies making forward progress difficult by clogging, hampering, or fettering.

tight clothing that impedes movement

When could obstruct be used to replace hinder?

The meanings of obstruct and hinder largely overlap; however, obstruct implies interfering with something in motion or in progress by the sometimes intentional placing of obstacles in the way.

the view was obstructed by billboards

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 hinder

Verb

White had hoped to have a college athlete career playing basketball and lacrosse but was hindered by injuries and several surgeries on her knees. —

ABC News, 15 May 2026 Anything that could hinder the schools in their pursuit, including a risky expansion move, is viewed with deep skepticism. —

Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026 Building out data centers is essential to capturing the benefits of the artificial intelligence revolution, but burgeoning political backlash threatens to hinder progress. —

Editorial Board, Washington Post, 13 May 2026 Once billed as a generational power-hitting backstop with the defense to match the bat, frequent trips to the IL have hindered his development. —

Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hinder

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hinder

Verb

Goalkeeper Bernd Leno was the victim both times, impeded by Kevin Schade and then Igor Thiago.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 May 2026
In the Jazz Age, the culture and the style that Bradley was soaking up every night were information that white performers craved, but which racial segregation impeded them from accessing.

— Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 13 May 2026

Definition of impede

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hind

hinder

hindered

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“Hinder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hinder. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of hinder

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