INTERFERE Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'interfere' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of interfere are intercede , interpose , intervene , and mediate . While all these words mean "to come or go between," interfere implies hindering. // noise interfered with my concentration

Q: When is 'intercede' a more appropriate choice than 'interfere'?

The words intercede and interfere can be used in similar contexts, but intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness. // interceded on our behalf

Q: When can 'interpose' be used instead of 'interfere'?

The meanings of interpose and interfere largely overlap; however, interpose often implies no more than this. // interposed herself between him and the door

Q: Where would 'intervene' be a reasonable alternative to 'interfere'?

While the synonyms intervene and interfere are close in meaning, intervene may imply an occurring in space or time between two things or a stepping in to stop a conflict. // quarreled until the manager intervened

Q: In what contexts can 'mediate' take the place of 'interfere'?

While in some cases nearly identical to interfere , mediate implies intervening between hostile factions. // mediated between the parties

interfere

verb

ˌin-tər-ˈfir

Definition of interfere next

as in to mess

to interest oneself in what is not one's concern a strong resentment of outsiders who attempted to interfere with their traditional ways of doing things

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word interfere different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of interfere are intercede, interpose, intervene, and mediate. While all these words mean "to come or go between," interfere implies hindering.

noise interfered with my concentration

When is intercede a more appropriate choice than interfere?

The words intercede and interfere can be used in similar contexts, but intercede implies acting for an offender in begging mercy or forgiveness.

interceded on our behalf

When can interpose be used instead of interfere?

The meanings of interpose and interfere largely overlap; however, interpose often implies no more than this.

interposed herself between him and the door

Where would intervene be a reasonable alternative to interfere?

While the synonyms intervene and interfere are close in meaning, intervene may imply an occurring in space or time between two things or a stepping in to stop a conflict.

quarreled until the manager intervened

In what contexts can mediate take the place of interfere?

While in some cases nearly identical to interfere, mediate implies intervening between hostile factions.

mediated between the parties

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 interfere Only one penalty called, could’ve been 5+ the way this team was interfering and taking extra shots at tsyplakov. —

Kevin Kurz, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025 Already, Trump tried to interfere in Justice Department investigations and prosecutions during his first presidency, according to multiple reports. —

Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025 Smith strongly defended the report's work and emphasized that the DOJ never sought to interfere in it. —

Carrie Johnson, NPR, 14 Jan. 2025 In 2023, however, Trudeau learned that the Chinese state had been interfering in Canadian elections for some time. —

David Frum, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for interfere

Recent Examples of Synonyms for interfere

Verb

Relying on skills developed as a federal agent with the postal inspection service, a natural ability for calculated problem solving, and a truck with all manner of useful stuff, Carter messes things up.

— John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
In today’s episode, Wesley sits down with Linda to discuss the health risks of relaxers, the hair icons that messed them both up and the culture surrounding hair relaxing that keeps people using these products.

— Linda Villarosa Paula Szuchman, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025