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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 According to this test – which developed from a 1971 Supreme Court decision – governmental actions must have a secular legislative purpose, and their main effect may neither advance nor inhibit religion. Lydia Artz, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025 The smoke may inhibit daytime warming, keeping temperatures a bit cooler than forecast. Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025 For example, one study found that breast cancer cell growth was stimulated by low concentrations of genistein and inhibited by higher concentrations. Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 3 Sep. 2025 This receptor normally gives passage to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an important molecule that inhibits brain activity. Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inhibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibit
Verb
  • Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was issued a red card in the 38th minute for impeding Charlotte’s Wilfried Zaha in the box.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The university has also cracked down on chalking on campus sidewalks, which critics say impedes the free speech rights of students.
    Chris Quintana, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Your liver also plays the very sweet role of regulating your blood sugar levels by releasing glucose and storing glycogen when appropriate.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Among its 14 plant oils are argan kernel and rice bran, which regulate sebum production and loosen dead skin cells, respectively—and, together, leave your pores looking significantly smaller and your skin significantly smoother.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • At first, the results were discouraging.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025
  • If the task is itself a learning activity that develops skills or forces cognitive engagement, discourage AI use.
    Dave Tucker, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Although dry air and other unfavorable atmospheric conditions have recently hindered development, the disturbance is expected to move into a more favorable environment later this week, giving it a better chance to become organized.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Additionally, the complexity of integrating disparate systems and ensuring compliance with regional regulations can hinder the seamless delivery of messages.
    Ivan Ostojić, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This report contains results from surveys and population estimation methods conducted by Fish and Wildlife, Canadian Wildlife Service and numerous state and provincial partners.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
  • And while hair perfumes are typically less concentrated and contain less alcohol (to prevent dryness), our testers appreciated that the scent lingers all day long.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Sumpter was charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors, including assault likely to produce great bodily injury, battery with serious bodily injury and dissuading a witness, Butte County public records show.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Which means the team can find plenty of buyers willing to fill the void if there are any longtime Broncomaniacs dissuaded from paying for a PSL.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And the new administration may be further hampering those plans.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The two defended their actions, including jamming a paper shredder with incriminating documents, as being necessary to secure the release of American hostages being held in Lebanon and to curb Soviet expansionism.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Japan in particular is a signatory to international efforts to curb spyware abuse, including the Joint Statement on Efforts to Counter the Proliferation and Misuse of Commercial Spyware and the Pall Mall Process Code of Practice for States.
    Vas Panagiotopoulos, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inhibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inhibit. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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