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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 The rule of thumb is to make sure there is room for adequate airflow around the machine, which means keeping it at least 6 inches away from walls and furniture or any other obstructions that may inhibit airflow. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025 Many universities have been criticized for inhibiting or curtailing unpopular speech. Stephen Humphries, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Apr. 2025 The science of nitrous oxide: short high, long-term risks Nitrous oxide works by inhibiting NMDA receptors in the brain, which play a key role in how our brain processes signals related to pain and memory. Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025 He was also inhibited by an Achilles injury and not running smoothly. Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inhibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibit
Verb
  • The department in January ordered prosecutors to investigate for potential criminal charges any state or local officials who obstruct or impede federal functions.
    Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • In a January memo, the department instructed prosecutors to consider criminal charges against state and local authorities who obstruct or impede federal operations.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Its double-sided design keeps your body temperature regulated all night long, with one side made of cool gel memory and the other of breathable bamboo viscose.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The panelists agreed that a focused, narrow bill regulating stablecoins could help cement the U.S. dollar’s dominance in a digital future.
    Nik Popli, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Emotional illiteracy, disconnection from the body and organizational cultures that discourage vulnerability reinforce this divide.
    Nancy Zamierowski, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • In subtropical South Florida, the days can get so hot that the rising mercury might actually discourage pollen production.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Scientists believe early exposure to this content may hinder children's understanding of consent and respect in relationships.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 May 2025
  • The Transport Workers Union argued the petition would hinder safety.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • So Koester compiled a database that now contains more than 500,000 missing person searches dating back to the 1970s.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • Summary The gut microbiome contains many microorganisms.
    Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • Discouraging migration The controversy over tattoos has dissuaded Luis Abreu, 20, from attempting to migrate to the United States.
    Gustavo Ocando Alex, Miami Herald, 1 May 2025
  • At the time, Newsom was urgently seeking federal disaster funding and looking to dissuade Trump from following through on his threats to extract concessions from California in exchange for financial assistance.
    Joey Cappelletti and Jonathan J. Cooper, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Substantial reductions in funding for HIV prevention efforts could further hamper this public health messaging.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Fish fighting has faced increasing criticism, particularly in light of animal rights concerns and regulations aimed at curbing animal cruelty.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
  • Why the preoccupation with whether transgender women are stealing places from women born female when women are more likely to have their practices curbed by men’s and boys’ teams kicking them off their training pitches?
    Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inhibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inhibit. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

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