hamper 1 of 2

hamper

2 of 2

noun

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
Topography will continue to drive spread and directional influence, while steep, inaccessible terrain hampers suppression efforts. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2025 International sanctions limiting the country’s trade, investment, and access to technology hamper productivity and growth. Celeste A. Wallander, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
Tricia McLaughlin, an assistant secretary with the Department of Homeland Security, claimed that the demonstrators were preventing an ICE vehicle from leaving the federal facility and hampering operations. David Chiu, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025 Yet, there’s still that debt that hampers investment. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hamper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamper
Verb
  • Food crumbs and debris can hinder gas flow or cause uneven burning.
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Can what’s hindering the Chargers’ defense be fixed in only a matter of days?
    Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In fact, the average Rockets ball screen occurred nearly 27 feet away from the basket, giving them the farthest-out pick-and-rolls in the league last season, according to Second Spectrum.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The white men placed Bethea’s body in a reed basket.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Since pre-shredded cheeses are coated in anti-caking agents that can impede melting, our Test Kitchen recommends grating your own cheese from a block or wedge.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Martinez was charged in federal court with forcibly assaulting, impeding, and interfering with a federal law enforcement officer.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The aide ordered his family to pack their bags and go to the defense ministry in the capital’s central Umayyad Square.
    Danny Makki, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Two months after hitting the catwalk in a futuristic Balmain design, Cher starred in the French luxury fashion house’s campaign for The Balmain Blaze leather bag.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Yet this claim conceals the fact that registration is swift for compliant unions but obstructed for independent ones.
    Sourcing Journal, Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, condemned the protest, characterizing it as an attempt to obstruct law enforcement operations.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Athmile Wide-Leg Sweatpants, which shoppers love for traveling, running errands, and relaxing at home, have a super-soft fleece lining and pockets big enough for smartphones.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Plus, anyone finding the Maurepas treasure would come home not only with the story of a lifetime, but full pockets.
    Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Bears lost this matchup in embarrassing fashion last year as the Commanders completed a Hail Mary with time expiring.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The games themselves are embarrassing enough to watch.
    Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • On the other side of the football, edge rusher Brian Burns continued his excellent play with two sacks and three tackles for loss.
    Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Three plays after the break, Texans QB CJ Stroud threw an interception to set up a quick Seahawks field goal before a sack, forced fumble and fumble return touchdown – all from Houston pass rusher Will Anderson – cut Seattle’s lead to five.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hamper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamper. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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