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

Removing a clog of this kind is a complex task even for a professional, according to Pen. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Aug. 2026 When To Seek Professional Help Dealing with a stubborn clog that won’t budge? — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2026

Verb

For a face tan that won’t clog pores or mess with your skin care routine, the lightweight Isle of Paradise Self-Tan Face Drops can be mixed into your moisturizer (or layered under it) as part of your skin care routine. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2026 The sheer volume of sea life clogged the filter drums that clear incoming ocean water. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clog

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog

Noun

Travelers leaving Ceuta and Melilla, Spain’s other territory in North Africa, are subject to exit checks at ports and airports, an obstacle for migrants who enter the territories illegally and hope to reach the European continent.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
The design is meant to move around any obstacles, including the free weights collection near your pilates mat, meaning no more sweaty spots in your home gym.

— Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Verb

The train began blocking the crossing on Tuesday morning, forcing drivers to find alternate routes.

— Terell Bailey, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Instagram users have always been able to block others — and, along with Meta’s oldest crown jewel, Facebook — the app has gradually added features for reporting problematic accounts and inappropriate content.

— Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of block

Verb

Kupor, head of the government’s chief human resources agency since July 2025, has publicly argued even jobs conducive to remote work can be impeded by working from home.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
Carly Simon, whose recent Parkinson’s diagnosis didn’t impede her from releasing her first album in 18 years, Comes in Waves, has seemingly dedicated a song to her ex-husband, James Taylor.

— Devon Ivie, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of impede

Noun

An open field across from the Dean and Barbara White Southlake YMCA could potentially be the site of Crown Point’s first pet adoption and resource center but multiple hurdles still remain.

— Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
The organizations, specialists and larger coalition of the willing have to contend with these hurdles.

— Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Verb

But Seminole’s Special Magistrate Sherry Sutphen chastised Moncrief, a resident of The Springs neighborhood, for likely damaging the river’s ecology behind his home and obstructing its natural flow.

— Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026
However, the Ojai faces criticism for its merely adequate sound system, a rougher-than-expected ride, and headrests that obstruct views.

— Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstruct

Verb

Likewise, when crime bosses become international liabilities that could hamper Beijing’s relations with other countries, or when their political patrons fall and there are fewer political costs to targeting them, Beijing will act.

— Alvin Camba, Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2026
The administration’s postponement of a Food and Drug Administration rule hampered the food safety system, which hindered a response to the outbreak.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of hamper

Noun

Rachel Moser is charged with hindering the apprehension of a fugitive, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy to commit tampering of evidence, conspiracy to commit abuse of a corpse and obstruction.

— Michael Guise, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Some may also face charges for battery, obstruction and resisting a police officer.

— Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstruction

Verb

Gleaming marble basins filled with floating flowers sit comfortably with antique stone tubs that used to hold olive oil back in the day.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
If the market reaches equilibrium, those will need to be filled to prevent the next crisis.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of fill

Browse Nearby Words

clods

clog

clogged

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clog. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of clog

noun

verb

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