Synonyms of stymie

stymie

verb

ˈstī-mē 

as in to impede

to create difficulty for the work or activity of

the raging blizzard stymied the rescuers' attempts to find the stranded mountain climbers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• impede
• hinder
• hamper
• embarrass
• obstruct
• inhibit
• handicap
• disrupt
• delay
• restrain
• interfere (with)
• block
• thwart
• encumber
• hobble
• constrain
• cramp
• frustrate
• clog
• tie up
• handcuff
• hold back
• short-circuit
• shackle
• fetter
• stifle
• trammel
• hog-tie
• curb
• tie
• give a hard time
• rein
• bind
• retard
• manacle
• balk
• retain
• cramp one's style
• hold up
• strangle
• check
• derail
• brake
• sabotage
• choke
• confine
• arrest
• baffle
• smother
• tether
• barricade
• bog (down)
• blockade
• suffocate
• chain
• repress
• leash
• foil
• roadblock
• suppress
• mire
• stump
• muzzle
• halter
• hem (in)
• hedge (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• help
• facilitate
• assist
• aid
• open
• clear
• liberate
• make way
• encourage
• promote
• release
• free
• loosen
• unclog
• unplug
• unstop
• smooth
• further
• untie

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stymie

Indeed, tribal groups and some traditional sportsbook operators have spent millions of dollars this year on lobbyists in an effort to stymie the rise of prediction markets—though the flow of money goes both ways. — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Visitation to Colorado’s 14,000-foot mountains in 2025 dropped to its lowest level in a decade, stymied by the closure of Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, which leads to one of the state’s most popular peaks. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2026

Wrobleski finally threw a hitless fourth, working around a leadoff walk to briefly stymie the Cubs’ offensive push. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Despite billions of dollars spent, each strategy has largely fallen by the wayside, stymied by legal and political headwinds. — Philip Wang, Time, 4 Aug. 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!