HAMPER Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of hamper are clog , fetter , manacle , shackle , and trammel . While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence. // hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

Q: When is it sensible to use 'clog' instead of 'hamper'?

The meanings of clog and hamper largely overlap; however, clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering. // a court system clogged by frivolous suits

Q: In what contexts can 'fetter' take the place of 'hamper'?

The synonyms fetter and hamper are sometimes interchangeable, but fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost. // a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

Q: How is 'shackle' related to other words for 'hamper'?

Both shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom. // a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice // a people manacled by tyranny

Q: When could 'trammel' be used to replace 'hamper'?

While in some cases nearly identical to hamper , trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net. // rules that trammel the artist's creativity

hamper 1 of 2

verb

ˈham-pər

Definition of hamper

as in to hinder

to create difficulty for the work or activity of fallen branches hampered the hikers as they made their way along the narrow path

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hamper

2 of 2

noun

as in basket

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb hamper contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hamper are clog, fetter, manacle, shackle, and trammel. While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence.

hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

When is it sensible to use clog instead of hamper?

The meanings of clog and hamper largely overlap; however, clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering.

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

In what contexts can fetter take the place of hamper?

The synonyms fetter and hamper are sometimes interchangeable, but fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

How is shackle related to other words for hamper?

Both shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom.

a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice

a people manacled by tyranny

When could trammel be used to replace hamper?

While in some cases nearly identical to hamper, trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net.

rules that trammel the artist's creativity

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 hamper

Verb

Creating lightweight device Neuroscientists studying behavioral brain activity have long been hampered by tethered equipment that kept laboratory animals locked in place. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026 The resulting restrictions can, in turn, constrain power generation and hamper economic growth. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

Noun

Decide which items need laundering and place them immediately in your hamper or laundry basket. — Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2026 Does his significant other and babymama Isabel Haugseng Johansen constantly have to remind him to toss the underwear and socks in the laundry hamper as opposed to on the floor? — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hamper

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamper

Verb

Plus, there’s silica to softly blur the look of pores and texture without hindering your glow.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Oct. 2026
If pursued judiciously, this emphasis on security will not hinder cooperation between the United States and its allies but rather strengthen it.

— Sam Mullins, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of hinder

Noun

Then it was hoisted up repeatedly to the helicopter where the crew got each person into the aircraft before lowering the basket again.

— Jaimie Ding, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
The Trail Blazers got off to a hot start in the third quarter with, starting on a 15-0 run, capped off by a 3-point basket by Camara for a 74-64 lead.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of basket

Verb

Schwank also took issue with ICE’s characterization that Moreida was standing in the middle of an active road and impeding law enforcement’s actions.

— Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
Federal officials argue that California’s refusal to review the federal list or set aside the associated ballots impedes enforcement.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of impede

Noun

For example, a cynical fox character follows Hawke in the snow; little mice steal Sink’s Prada shoes; a snow lynx goes after Haoyu’s Prada bag while rabbits and bats play with Ford’s leather accessories.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
In addition to the lighter candy bags, exorbitant candy prices could also prompt the resurgence of apples and toothbrushes (seriously) as treats, or tiny trinkets instead of candy.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of bag

Verb

Sponsored by District 3 Commissioner Nicole Massiah, the measure defines camping as using public space for private living accommodations in a manner that obstructs public access or blocks entryways and exits to public property for extended periods.

— La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
The suspect was booked into Sacramento County Main Jail on suspicion of a felony charge of making criminal threats, and misdemeanor allegations of exhibiting a deadly weapon and resisting or obstructing a peace officer.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of obstruct

Noun

These songs are very evidently arranged, with ticklish, left-field grooves and tight pockets—never too tight for the persistent, puckish charm, the elbow-nudging glee.

— Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026
Koppie reported raising exactly enough to cover his campaign’s expenses of less than $3,000 from July through September, most of it out of his own pocket.

— Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of pocket

Verb

Oddly, some on social media are acting like Nevada’s entire goal was to embarrass others during his weekend game.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
The actor may not always be playing Bond, but will forever be a Bond, and therefore must be counted upon to not embarrass the franchise.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of embarrass

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hammy

hamper

hampered

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“Hamper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamper. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of hamper

verb

noun

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