Synonyms of clog

clog 1 of 2

noun

ˈkläg 

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult

she's not one to let moral principle be a clog upon her conscience

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obstacle
• hurdle
• obstruction
• barrier
• embarrassment
• let
• interference
• block
• hindrance
• impediment
• chain
• stop
• burden
• inhibition
• cramp
• load
• deterrent
• stumbling block
• shackles
• encumbrance
• handicap
• blockage
• drag
• balk
• trammel
• brake
• hitch
• crimp
• constraint
• delay
• fetter
• bar
• rub
• manacle
• curb
• blockade
• catch
• danger
• stone wall
• stoppage
• disadvantage
• holdback
• brick wall
• arrest
• hazard
• snag
• rein
• stall
• difficulty
• hobble
• embargo
• restraint
• drawback
• bit
• check
• reef
• hardship
• peril
• holdup
• cumber
• adversity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incentive
• spur
• catalyst
• impetus
• stimulus
• advantage
• break
• edge
• help
• benefit
• aid
• stimulant
• assistance
• goad
• boost
• handmaiden

clog

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to block

to prevent passage through by filling with something

the discovery that a ton of hair was clogging the drain in the tub

Synonyms & Similar Words

• block
• obstruct
• fill
• congest
• jam
• choke
• occlude
• stop (up)
• dam
• flood
• clot
• stuff
• gum (up)
• plug (up)
• cork
• overwhelm
• pack
• gridlock
• stopper
• silt
• fur
• inundate
• bung
• swamp
• spile
• stopple
• glut

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• open (up)
• clear
• free
• unplug
• unclog
• hollow (out)
• unblock
• excavate
• unstop
• scoop (out)
• empty
• lighten

2

as in to impede

to create difficulty for the work or activity of

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of clog

Noun

Throw-on-and-go shoes are already having a moment this season, with celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Miley Cyrus opting for comfy clogs. — Melony Forcier, InStyle, 11 Oct. 2026

These best-selling suede clogs are steeply marked down right now, and with their casual yet timeless design, they’re bound to complement any fall outfit. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2026

Verb

At the time, gasoline lines clogged traffic across the capital. — Ivan Nechepurenko, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

For more instant results, salicylic acid completes the trio by exfoliating away dead surface cells and pore-clogging buildup, helping refine the look of large pores standing between you and that aforementioned glassy glow. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026