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clog

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb clog contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of clog are fetter, hamper, manacle, shackle, and trammel. While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering.

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

Where would fetter be a reasonable alternative to clog?

While in some cases nearly identical to clog, fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

When might hamper be a better fit than clog?

The synonyms hamper and clog are sometimes interchangeable, but hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence.

hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

How does the word shackle relate to other synonyms for clog?

Both shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom.

a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice
a people manacled by tyranny

When can trammel be used instead of clog?

The words trammel and clog are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net.

rules that trammel the artist's creativity

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 clog
Noun
Let’s Bring Back Fondue Night When fondue pots were at the height of their popularity in the 1970s, everyone would gather around the table in their house clogs and bell bottoms with skewers ready to dip into melty cheese, smooth chocolate, and even piping-hot oil (for cooking small hunks of meat). Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025 Shoppers can choose from two different pairs of Crocs and a set of M&Ms charms to decorate their new or current clogs. Mike Snider, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
The floor sinks beneath the food prep sink and at the front counter were clogged and filled with water. Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025 But, like most things in our kitchen, our pros say these fad appliances do nothing but clog up your room. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clog
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog
Noun
  • Autonomous systems handle the full flight profile, from takeoff to landing, using sensors for obstacle detection and avoidance.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
  • If there weren’t obstacles, this would be a very short series.
    Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • At the beginning of the third quarter, Southwest blocked a punt in the end zone, resulting in a safety, which narrowed the deficit to only three points.
    Raul Avila, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Anker Soundcore Earbud Deals The Soundcore Liberty 4 earbuds by Anker effectively block out noise with adaptive ANC, deliver sound with punchy bass, and last up to 10 hours (and 50 hours with the case).
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Trump characterized the cities as in crisis and accused leaders of impeding immigration operations.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Alas, the roster should not impede them from pulling off this feat.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Rachael Powell, chief deputy district attorney in the Fourth Judicial District, said close relationships with law enforcement can help prosecutors overcome hurdles in stalking cases.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The largest hurdle is Starship’s on-orbit refueling test.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2025
  • In May 2018, she was diagnosed with aortic stenosis, a condition where the aortic valve, which controls blood flow from the heart to the body, becomes narrowed or obstructed.
    Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Stephanie Lulay, executive editor and cofounder of Block Club Chicago, said the newsroom’s coverage of the protests has been hampered.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
  • His lack of strength also hampers him on defense.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Robinson was also charged with firearm counts and multiple obstruction-of-justice charges.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Arrests were made for unlawful assembly, violent resistance, obstruction of emergency response efforts and assault.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The historic gems that fill his Paris home are enough; his appetite is sated.
    Jazmine Hughes, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Six years later, he was assigned to be a pastor at a church in Bay Ridge, where the pews, once occupied by Norwegian immigrants, were filling up with Arab Christians, many of them Palestinian exiles.
    Eric Lach, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clog. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on clog

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