CLOG Synonyms: 176 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

clog 1 of 2

noun

ˈkläg

Definition of clog

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

clog

2 of 2

verb

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to impede

to create difficulty for the work or activity of a court system clogged by frivolous suits

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Pair the set with your favorite Ugg boots for the ultimate autumn outfit, or team it with clogs to take a fall fashion note from A-listers like Kate Hudson and Jennifer Lawrence. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026 Some of my favorites include eye-catching styles like this polished-looking suede shacket, these metallic ballet sneakers, and these leopard print jeans, along with staples like a cozy pullover sweatshirt and slip-on clogs. — Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2026

Verb

In the meantime, there’s a lot of unwieldy comic commotion involving a missing corpse, a tweaking, naked Dwight and enough insipid TV sibling bickering to clog the airwaves for a decade. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026 And in Red Oak, Texas, where Villegas lives, construction workers' cars clog the roads for miles before dawn. — Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clog

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog

Noun

Rather than simply detecting physical obstacles, the system distinguishes between different types of messes and household objects to optimize cleaning strategies.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
His efforts, however, encountered their greatest obstacle after World War II due to the suspicions aroused by Philip’s family’s uncomfortable ties to the Nazis.

— Diego Parrado, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Verb

The bill’s guardrails are voluntary, the chief critique of Senate Democrats, but are aimed at blocking those energy spikes.

— David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026
Osako’s lawyer, Paul Rigali, argued that Kin could decide to block the report’s release without reviewing it himself, citing Osako’s privacy interest.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of block

Noun

This year, for example, Regan dropped an initiative that would have restricted hospital executives’ pay, in exchange for the California Hospital Association not imposing new administrative hurdles on unions pursuing political campaigns.

— Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
One of the biggest hurdles the state faces is communicating to the public the importance of these fires.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Verb

Front-line workers have gone on strike several times since the outbreak began, further hampering efforts to contain the disease.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Bankers and lawyers here in Riyadh worry, though, that the latest effort, rather than fueling a revival of the Tadawul, may hamper it.

— Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of hamper

Noun

Allegations of obstruction The sentencing dispute also extends beyond Rivera’s lobbying activities.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026
He was issued felony citations on suspicion of burglary, evading police, driving more than 100 mph, hit-and-run, obstruction and resisting, reckless driving and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of obstruction

Verb

Around the three-and-a-half-hour mark of the race, the finish-line medical tent filled.

— Vibhu Krishna, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
The interiors, meanwhile, are by Philip Johnson and filled with an insane Warhol-and-Jeff-Koons art collection thanks to billionaire owner Aby Rosen.

— Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of fill

Browse Nearby Words

clods

clog

clogged

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“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clog. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of clog

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verb

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