hamper 1 of 2

hamper

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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
British fire crews have been hampered by the presence of unexploded bombs when dealing with wildfires sparked during military training sessions. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025 Though excitement about the first day of Metro Express service Monday was hampered by delays and technological glitches, county officials said the problems are part of the adjustment period and will be ironed out moving forward. Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
The picture of them sleeping together in the laundry hamper is just one snapshot of their relationship. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 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 See All Example Sentences for hamper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamper
Verb
  • Yet, challenges such as battery weight, regulation, safety, and scalability still hinder most projects.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Did the leaks hinder your creative approach to making music?
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The thieves used a basket lift to scale the museum’s exterior, forced open a window, and used cutting tools to open display cases in the Apollo Gallery.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported that the thieves accessed the museum from the riverfront side, using a basket lift to reach the Apollon Gallery—a grand hall that houses the royal Crown Diamonds, including the famed Regent, the Sancy, and the Hortensia.
    Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Neither tug was blatant, but both seemed to impede Allende.
    Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Three people with knowledge of those interests said there was consternation among insiders that forcing Maduro out could foment chaos and unrest and impede their access.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Leone's horror anthology features a wraparound story about a babysitter, Sarah (Katie Maguire), and her two adolescent charges, Timmy and Tia, who find an unmarked VHS in their trick-or-treat bag.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
  • My standout favorite is the Duet Saffiano Leather Small Crossbody, which comes with an extra pouch that clips onto the main bag.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
  • She was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree child abuse, felonious assault and assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer, investigators said.
    Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Baguette’s design includes a front flap, magnetic clasp, unlined internal compartment with a pocket and gold-finish metalware.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Even McCarthy, who completed 14 of 25 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns (plus a rushing touchdown), mentioned inaccuracies and his inability to throttle down outside of the pocket.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • French authorities have arrested several suspects after a frantic manhunt for the men who staged a spectacular daytime heist at the Louvre museum that gripped the world and embarrassed the government in Paris.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • For French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, the heist spotlights embarrassing security failings at one of France’s most venerable institutions.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Broncos have 40 sacks on the year, which is 12 more than the second place Detroit Lions.
    Mark Kern, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The Ravens’ 11 sacks through eight games are the second fewest in the league.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hamper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamper. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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