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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
Prevents costly clogs and backups. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2025 Colorful clog brand Crocs was founded in 2002 and has since sold more than 350 million pairs across 90 countries. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
For starters, a gentle facial cleanser should be used at night to wash off sweat, grime, air pollutants and anything that could clog pores and cause acne. Khanh T.l. Tran, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025 This Bubble sunscreen is gentle on sensitive and acne-prone skin and won’t clog pores. Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clog
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog
Noun
  • Here's a look at the key obstacles and priorities when both chambers return to Capitol Hill on Tuesday.
    Lauren Peller, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2025
  • When used on real robots, BeyondMimic can handle different tasks like following set paths, being controlled with a joystick, and avoiding obstacles — smoothly combining human-like motions with real-world robot control.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Congress previously voted to repeal the law, but then-President Joe Biden blocked the repeal with a presidential veto.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
  • In fact, such bills have been introduced repeatedly over the past three decades, only to be blocked time and again by Netanyahu and others.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 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
  • High school students were eventually dismissed for the day because of the logistical hurdle of providing lunch for the nearly 1,400 students off-site, and Siergrist students and staff were allowed back into their building after first responders confirmed the building was safe, Hulett said.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Despite the immense potential and executive enthusiasm, many organizations grapple with implementation hurdles, with one study indicating that 74% struggle to scale AI initiatives effectively to capture value.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Currently, only 37% of the more than 5 million tons of trash generated in the county each year is recycled — and even that is hampered by a 40% contamination rate.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 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, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In December 2022, Kendra Licari was arrested and charged with two counts of stalking a minor, two counts of communicating with another to commit a crime and one count of obstruction of justice, according to the arrest warrant obtained by NBC News.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Guevara, who came to the US from El Salvador in 2004, was charged with improperly entering a pedestrian roadway, obstruction of law enforcement officers and unlawful assembly.
    Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • One side is crafted from 100 percent linen, and the reverse, 100 percent cotton, both of which are stitched to create an eye-catching bubble texture accentuated by the plush fiber filling between the layers.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Never mind that Coppola cast Mickey Rourke in the role — tough shoes to fill.
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clog. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on clog

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