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
Each kit contained towels, hangers, pillows, a shower caddy, comforter, detergent and hamper, all packed into a medium-sized plastic storage bin. La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 22 Aug. 2025 This hampers learning and places a large financial burden on young people. IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
The rains brought the state capital to a standstill, seriously hampering preparations for the upcoming Durga Puja — the biggest annual festival of Hindus in West Bengal state. Reuters, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025 While many tabbed Zion Williamson as the next great superstar to emerge from college, injuries have hampered his NBA career with the New Orleans Pelicans so far. Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hamper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamper
Verb
  • These gaps have long hindered the growth of private assets in investor portfolios.
    Henry Fernandez, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Lower mortgage rates, which have fallen in recent weeks in anticipation of the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut rates for the first time since December 2024, are helping get buyers back to the market—but experts think that a government shutdown might hinder their return.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Additionally, overcrowding an air fryer basket can cause the parchment paper to burn.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2025
  • And with his front kick, Big Lew could rattle the rim of the basket.
    Jeff Chang September 25, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Prosecutors say Comey lied about authorizing an FBI source to speak to the media about the investigation and obstructed Congress by making false statements intended to impede lawmakers’ probe into the FBI’s actions, according to a copy of the indictment obtained by The Washington Post.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Another lottery pick, Leo Carlsson, twice impeded Utah’s progress up the ice.
    Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The girls were found dead on June 2 with plastic bags over their heads and evidence that their hands had been zip-tied near their father's truck.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
  • To find more of the best deals in Nordstrom’s fall sale, check out the rest of our top picks below with everything from flowy dresses to accessories like jewelry and sunglasses, jackets, bucket bags, and more.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Small pieces of metal or plastic could obstruct airways, especially in vulnerable populations such as children and older adults.
    Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
  • In a July 29 post to the social media platform, Minniear included snaps of himself and some picturesque locations, as well as a shot of Goulding laying nude in bed with her arm, side and thigh visible but face mostly obstructed.
    Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The adjustable bag features a main zippered compartment that has pockets to help organize electronics, snacks, and more.
    L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Ward was still at the scene, covered in blood and holding a pocket knife, when police arrived.
    Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Epstein scandal continues to embarrass the British royal family, even years after Jeffrey Epstein’s death.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Me, a beautiful and clever five-time Emmy-winning writer with a few Wednesday nights free, and The Golden Bachelor, a heartwarming and adorable exploration of women’s second acts with a male doofus at the center who has already embarrassed himself.
    Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That play ended in a sack for defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, as Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert had to step up directly into interior pressure.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025
  • It was immediately followed by a hold and a sack for second-and-27.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hamper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamper. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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