1
2
3
as in to discourage
to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action a fundamental sense of propriety should have inhibited you from making a drunken spectacle of yourself

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inhibit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inhibit are forbid, interdict, and prohibit. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation.

conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade

When is forbid a more appropriate choice than inhibit?

The words forbid and inhibit can be used in similar contexts, but forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

When is it sensible to use interdict instead of inhibit?

While in some cases nearly identical to inhibit, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

When might prohibit be a better fit than inhibit?

The synonyms prohibit and inhibit are sometimes interchangeable, but prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

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 inhibit The residual activity will inhibit all types of seedling growth, including your new grass seed, says Waltz. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025 Using comparative molecular biology with human cGAS – which actually inhibits DNA repair – the scientists found that the naked mole-rat's enzyme has four key changes that facilitate the important work that extends their lifespan and keeps them healthy and disease-free for a remarkably long time. New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2025 The venom in their fangs inhibits the swimming and breathing abilities of their prey. Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Oct. 2025 For cancer, the goal is to inhibit Tregs, allowing the immune system to target tumors more aggressively. Aimee Pugh Bernard, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inhibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibit
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
Verb
  • The ocean regulates our climate, supports global trade, and feeds communities.
    Olivier Wenden, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
  • American laws aren’t equipped to deal with the fast-moving ambitions of CEO Elon Musk, and Washington doesn’t seem in a hurry to regulate his company.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That same year, millions of plaintiffs filed an antitrust class action lawsuit seeking over $1 billion in damages that alleged Sutter Health overcharged customers and companies for health care bills and discouraged clients from using other lower-cost services.
    Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Beijing has reportedly been discouraging local firms from buying Nvidia chips.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • However, Powell said that would be a mistake and would hinder the Fed's ability to carry out policy.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Many complications hinder the process, including Israeli opposition to a Palestinian state, expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank, the ongoing Gaza conflict, and an aging and corrupt Palestinian leadership, which the US and other Arab nations say requires reform.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The following contains light spoilers for the Season 3 premiere of Elsbeth.
    Scarlett Harris, Time, 13 Oct. 2025
  • State regulators ultimately denied Gershman and Citimark a permit to encroach on the portion of the development containing wetland, but warehouse construction is proceeding on the remaining parts of the 150-acre development.
    IndyStar, IndyStar, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But some advocates say his posture is hardly unique among previous presidents, and they won’t be dissuaded from seeking to build consensus for tribal goals.
    Terry Tang, Twin Cities, 13 Oct. 2025
  • In this scenario, the growing economic uncertainty surrounding the government shutdown is dissuading more buyers from purchasing properties this year.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025
  • With injuries and inconsistency hampering the wide receiver corps, the Commanders are set to host former Tennessee Titans first-round draft pick Treylon Burks.
    Josh Buckhalter, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Tensions were already high between Washington and Bogotá over President Gustavo Petro’s attempts to curb drug trafficking, threatening the countries’ close security and commercial relations.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2025
  • As a way to help curb these issues without generating waste, TNC teamed up with the Henry Doorly Zoo to cut back the trees and shrubs at the preserve and then use the clippings to supplement the diets of some of the zoo's largest animals.
    Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inhibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inhibit. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inhibit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!