hinder 1 of 2

Definition of hindernext

hinder

2 of 2

adjective

as in rear
being at or in the part of something opposite the front part the animal's case of mange was especially bad in its hinder parts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb hinder contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hinder are block, impede, and obstruct. While all these words mean "to interfere with the activity or progress of," hinder stresses causing harmful or annoying delay or interference with progress.

rain hindered the climb

Where would block be a reasonable alternative to hinder?

The words block and hinder can be used in similar contexts, but block implies complete obstruction to passage or progress.

a landslide blocked the road

When would impede be a good substitute for hinder?

The words impede and hinder are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impede implies making forward progress difficult by clogging, hampering, or fettering.

tight clothing that impedes movement

When could obstruct be used to replace hinder?

The meanings of obstruct and hinder largely overlap; however, obstruct implies interfering with something in motion or in progress by the sometimes intentional placing of obstacles in the way.

the view was obstructed by billboards

How does the verb hinder contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hinder are block, impede, and obstruct. While all these words mean "to interfere with the activity or progress of," hinder stresses causing harmful or annoying delay or interference with progress.

rain hindered the climb

Where would block be a reasonable alternative to hinder?

The words block and hinder can be used in similar contexts, but block implies complete obstruction to passage or progress.

a landslide blocked the road

When would impede be a good substitute for hinder?

The words impede and hinder are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impede implies making forward progress difficult by clogging, hampering, or fettering.

tight clothing that impedes movement

When could obstruct be used to replace hinder?

The meanings of obstruct and hinder largely overlap; however, obstruct implies interfering with something in motion or in progress by the sometimes intentional placing of obstacles in the way.

the view was obstructed by billboards

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 hinder
Verb
The instruments used to make antimatter create interference that hinders its study. Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026 The conservancy’s land was directly across the only two roads into the area, meaning the agency could hinder garbage trucks from using the roads. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026 On Thursday morning, Anthon brought a new bill that would require law enforcement to apply to join cooperation agreements with ICE, unless county commissioners or a city council determine that the agreement would hinder local police. Idaho Statesman, 26 Mar. 2026 However, their progress has been hindered by dendrites—microscopic metallic filaments that grow on the electrolyte and trigger short circuits. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hinder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hinder
Verb
  • By contrast, laws that appear designed to impede on a religion have been struck down.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Milwaukee Police Department policy states documentation must be done with reasonable distance from police, must not obstruct enforcement or impede other emergency services’ movement.
    Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In the maneuver, a deputy or officer or trooper uses the front of his or her patrol car to push the rear corner of a fleeing car or truck, forcing it into a spin and allowing the officer to block the car and bring it to a stop.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The rear lock video screen also allows children and elderly a quick way to see who is at the door.
    George Yang, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The moves have reportedly left the task force without prosecutors with national security experience, hampering its goal to root out American connections to the Hamas attacks (which included 40 Americans among its approximately 1,200 victims).
    Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Or perhaps given the hotel’s thespian heritage, on stage and back stage.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Even though that was the nice ashtray, as opposed to the black plastic ones that were in the garage or on the back brick steps.
    Kate Crane, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Prosecutors said Insua’s view was obstructed by the cargo, a deckhouse and crane on the barge.
    David Goodhue, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Full-palm tactile sensing allows the robot to continue manipulating objects even when cameras are obstructed or when precise force control is required, such as in assembly tasks.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Harbaugh has taken a blow torch to the Giants’ embarrassing special teams unit.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Tonight’s ceremony had none of the major dramatic mishaps that have both embarrassed the Academy Awards’ organizers and affirmed the event’s status as must-see live TV.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hinder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hinder. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on hinder

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster