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 Their private efforts have reached governors, election stewards and lawmakers from both parties who are increasingly alarmed that the administration may interfere in the midterms. — Noah Robertson, Washington Post, 20 Oct. 2026 The spokesperson defended China's religious policies, saying the government protects freedom of religious belief under Chinese law and does not interfere in religious groups' internal affairs. — Mitch Picasso, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 The government later clarified that Moscow’s attempts to interfere were unsuccessful. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026 But inside, Sweeney’s vision triumphed over Wright’s, who, despite many passionate memos, was unable to convince Harry to interfere. — Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 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

The judges pressed federal lawyers on whether the request violates states’ constitutional authority over elections and whether the appeals court can intervene before a lower-court ruling.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes ended up intervening, the story says.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of intervene

Verb

Ask it to poke holes and give you the strongest case against something.

— Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Kessler, standing nearby during Williams’ postgame news conference, poked his head out from behind a black curtain and gave his teammate a thumbs-up.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of poke

Verb

Thousands of retirees and others marched in Spain's capital Saturday to demand public pensions aren’t meddled with.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
News coverage of a poll that doesn’t favor a political party is not an invitation to meddle in an election through intimidation.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 23 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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