as in obstacles
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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Recent Examples of impediments
Stuck in the desert somewhere just south of the American border, Zendaya’s desperate, unreasonably chipper addict is trying to get a duffel bag filled with who knows what from Chihuahua back to California, but her off-road route is filled with impediments.
—
Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2026
One of the main impediments to buying an electric vehicle in the US was the availability of charging infrastructure.
—Kyle Stock, Bloomberg, 8 Apr. 2026
There is no problem in America that will be solved by fewer impediments to mob rule.
—Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026
Dasgupta notes that regular physical activity improves sleep quality by promoting deeper sleep stages, while limiting late-day naps helps prevent impediments to nighttime rest.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 1 Mar. 2026
Also consider other impediments such as tariffs and customs duties; where the parts of your product are manufactured; product and component licensing; and use of open-source technology.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Jan. 2026
Wiener said his bill would rectify those impediments.
—Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Burns typically happen during the week and not on holidays, to prevent impediments to residents’ lives.
—Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 2025
But whereas many abundance advocates typically talk about removing government impediments to growth, such as zoning restrictions, Rodrik focusses on government interventions.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2026
One of the main impediments to buying an electric vehicle in the US was the availability of charging infrastructure.
—Kyle Stock, Bloomberg, 8 Apr. 2026
There is no problem in America that will be solved by fewer impediments to mob rule.
—Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026
Dasgupta notes that regular physical activity improves sleep quality by promoting deeper sleep stages, while limiting late-day naps helps prevent impediments to nighttime rest.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 1 Mar. 2026
Also consider other impediments such as tariffs and customs duties; where the parts of your product are manufactured; product and component licensing; and use of open-source technology.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Jan. 2026
Wiener said his bill would rectify those impediments.
—Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Burns typically happen during the week and not on holidays, to prevent impediments to residents’ lives.
—Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 2025
But whereas many abundance advocates typically talk about removing government impediments to growth, such as zoning restrictions, Rodrik focusses on government interventions.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impediments
Noun
-
Rams boss Les Snead and Chiefs leadership tandem Andy Reid and Brett Veach don’t seem hindered by obstacles either, despite later draft slots and paying future Hall of Fame quarterbacks.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The obstacles along the way fueled Jones’ drive to succeed.—
Damian Calhoun,
Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
At a closed-door conference on April 28, the court and participants discussed the user experience, revealing that several bugs and hurdles remain.—
Kate Nishimura,
Footwear News,
29 Apr. 2026
-
With limited communication access inside Iran, the filmmakers faced significant logistical hurdles in bringing the film to Sundance.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But the Scot hooked his second shot from a wet fairway on the 609-yard closing hole — a par 5 that yielded only 10 birdies in the final round — and even after getting relief from temporary immovable obstructions, MacIntyre could only hit wedge to 30 feet.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
But there are wild cards, including potential obstructions from Orion’s solar arrays or the body of the spacecraft and uncertainty about how well the vehicle can maintain a consistent orientation.—
Adam Bluestein,
Scientific American,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Aid agencies say Israeli security restrictions have tied their hands, creating difficult security barriers that have limited the influx of aid.—
Matt Bradley,
NBC news,
25 Apr. 2026
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Other good view barriers for privacy might include the edible olive, pineapple guava, Simpson stopper, Walter’s viburnum, podocarpus and clumping bamboo.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Impediments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impediments. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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