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
• delay
• handicap
• interfere (with)
• tie up
• encumber
• hobble
• hold back
• shackle
• restrain
• fetter
• handcuff
• short-circuit
• trammel
• frustrate
• constrain
• thwart
• curb
• tie
• brake
• bind
• check
• hog-tie
• stifle
• choke
• cramp one's style
• hold up
• manacle
• give a hard time
• retard
• rein
• balk
• baffle
• retain
• barricade
• chain
• tether
• bog (down)
• derail
• suffocate
• strangle
• arrest
• confine
• blockade
• 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

Federalist Paper 42 argued for a uniform rule of naturalization, not a chaotic clog of different practices. —Jeff Horseman, Oc Register, 5 May 2026

The bottom half of the shoe is reminiscent of Crocs’ classic clogs, featuring the Jibbitz holes and a lightweight outsole that is comfortable enough for all-day wear. —Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026

Verb

Recent footage showed a Waymo stop in the middle of a busy roadway in Austin, Texas because of a shallow puddle, clogging the traffic behind it. —Frank Landymore, Futurism, 13 May 2026

After a rinse, the mud revealed perfectly polished skin, relieved of dullness, redness, and clogged pores and blackheads—leaving me glowing from the inside and out. —Essence, 12 May 2026