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

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

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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 The automakers also object to the government interfering in parts of the design that don’t improve the safety of the vehicle, saying a radio is different from seat belts and airbags. — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026 Called a home run by the umpires on the field, video review determined the fan did interfere. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 Video review determined the fan did interfere, the play was scored an RBI double for Volpe but the run that did not turned out to be the difference. — Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 The Yankees have had a bit of a run with fans interfering on the field. — James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interfere

Recent Examples of Synonyms for interfere

Verb

That book really messed me up in the sense of nothing is promised.

— Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 30 Sep. 2026
Had a couple calls in here that messed it up a little bit, but that’s the game.

— Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of mess

Verb

Its biggest selling point is the brand-new Privacy Display feature, which can dim screen visibility from the side and make snooping nearly impossible.

— Nitish Pahwa, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
That’s my interpretation of one reason for the revelation that those who claim to have nothing to hide are much more likely to snoop on others.

— Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of snoop

Verb

Uthmeier ultimately intervened, arguing that such contracts treat children as property.

— Kimberly Bird, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
The 16-year-old shooter was shot and killed by a man who entered the school after the attack began and intervened, Krantz said.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of intervene

Verb

Some, including the Idaho Potato Commission, swear that the way a baked potato is opened affects the texture, eschewing a knife for a fork to gently poke a plus sign into the surface.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026
From ceviche and poke to pasta and tacos, the menu revolves around the catch of the day, which is sourced from local markets.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of poke

Verb

In July, Lula publicly accused Washington of trying to meddle in Brazil's election.

— Catherine Osborn, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026
In any case, the nation’s approach toward Europe was not to meddle in its internal affairs but, rather, to avoid another terrible Continental war.

— Beverly Gage, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of meddle

Verb

With only two minutes for the family to talk, Seyfried suddenly seems mortified to be intruding.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
The judge concluded that the policy violated federal law and intruded on authority Congress had left with the states.

— Thom Reilly, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of intrude

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“Interfere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interfere. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of interfere

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