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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
What’s more, clogs are one of fall’s top shoe trends this year. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025 Universal Thread Betsy Clog Mule Flats A clog mule has become wardrobe essential for fall, and Target’s version is currently in stock in a light brown leopard print and a neutral taupe shade. Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
Back when Foster was winning medals for Great Britain as a long-distance runner — gold in the 1974 European Championships, bronze in the 1976 Olympic Games, gold at the 1978 Commonwealth Games — the streets were not clogged with joggers, which is strange to think of now. George Caulkin, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025 The Gravelines nuclear power plant faced a similar problem last month, when jellyfish clogged up the cooling system to cause four of its units to switch off automatically. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clog
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog
Noun
  • The difficulty in getting rid of players other than those whose contracts expired this summer (Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez and Jesus Vallejo) was a significant obstacle.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • To overcome this obstacle, the MIT team employed lithium-6 atoms, a rare isotope whose resonance frequency shifts depending on temperature.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But Congress has long blocked that increase from taking effect, with lawmakers from both parties fearful about the political fallout of voting themselves a pay raise.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • That dire warning aside, California tribes are also suing for a preliminary injunction against Kalshi to block its prediction markets.
    Contessa Brewer,Alex Sherman, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Bundys and several others in the vehicles were arrested and charged with multiple federal crimes, including conspiracy to impede federal officers.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Let go of whatever impedes your growth.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Even if the discharge petition is successful, the underlying bill would have to clear many more hurdles.
    Emily Brooks, The Hill, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Reports have also pointed to practical hurdles for Optimus, including production bottlenecks, hand dexterity issues, and leadership turnover on the program.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ultimately, North was found guilty of destroying official documents, accepting a home security system as a gift and obstructing Congress in 1989.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
  • With the sandboxing proposal, companies could identify regulations that are obstructing their efforts, and ask for a waiver.
    Emily Wilkins, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And the new administration may be further hampering those plans.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Wind giant Ørsted sues White House Energy giant Ørsted and two US states sued the White House over its obstruction of a near-complete offshore wind farm, part of the administration’s move away from renewables.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • O'Dell pleaded guilty earlier this year to arson, damage to religious property and obstruction of persons in the free exercise of religious beliefs.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • At night, the fire crackled while insects filled the air and a distant lion let out a low, steady rumble.
    Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Companies are increasingly stepping into roles traditionally held by colleges, universities, and trade schools, creating their own certification programs to address skill gaps that formal education hasn't filled.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clog. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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