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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
Give these no-fuss clogs and sneakers from Amazon a try — starting at just $24. Nicol Natale, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025 At Gilt, the Boston clogs, which Kendall Jenner, Riley Keough, and more stars have worn, are marked down in a few staple colors. Nicol Natale, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
Ischemic stroke happens when an artery that supplies the brain is clogged with a blood clot, often as a result of atherosclerosis or cardioembolism—when a blood clot travels from the heart to the brain. Alicen Nelson Md, Verywell Health, 27 Mar. 2025 When a pipe bursts or a drain gets clogged, homeowners search for fast, reliable solutions. Michael Fox, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clog
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog
Noun
  • The Arches is designed for all-around off-roading, while the Cliffhanger is geared toward slow, technical obstacles.
    Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • However, the obstacle avoidance technology included in the X10 Pro Omni has a 3D MatrixEye.
    Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Scouts raved about his pass-catching ability and pass blocking.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Mangione's attorneys have sought to block prosecutors from seeking the death penalty.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The department in January ordered prosecutors to investigate for potential criminal charges any state or local officials who obstruct or impede federal functions.
    Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • In a January memo, the department instructed prosecutors to consider criminal charges against state and local authorities who obstruct or impede federal operations.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • These financial hurdles can lead to the perception that technology adoption simply isn’t worth it.
    James Lindsey, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Now that many of the technical hurdles have been cleared, stem cells appear poised to offer a new treatment option for Parkinson's, and perhaps other brain diseases like epilepsy or Alzheimer's.
    Jon Hamilton, NPR, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control. Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Burroughs was fired from the department and charged with making a false police report, obstructing justice, breaking and entering a motor vehicle and possession of heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine.
    Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The dissatisfaction simmered for years, hampering efforts to combine the automakers fully.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In addition to the concealment charge, Mendoza-Gonzalez was charged with obstruction of justice and abuse of a corpse, police said.
    Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The teenagers are also facing charges of second-degree obstruction of justice and motor vehicle theft.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Aim to fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables and limit your portion of starchy vegetables to no more than a quarter of your plate.
    Lindsey DeSoto, Health, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Wolves have filled humans with wonder throughout our history, and they have been featured in art and mythology for thousands of years.
    Olivia Ferrari, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clog. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on clog

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