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

My Pinterest boards are overflowing with gorgeous autumnal outfits, all paired with clogs just like this one. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 4 Sep. 2026 The clog could be from something that’s stuck in this pipe versus what’s stuck in your garbage disposal. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2026

Verb

In Long Beach, crews have stepped up efforts to maintain storm drains, seeking to keep them from getting clogged up during storms, said Todd Leland, the city’s marine bureau manager. — Robert Gauthier, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Acne happens when oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog your pores. — Brandi Jones, HEALTH, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clog

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog

Noun

The report released by the NBA’s investigators at the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz portrays Ballmer and the team as treating the league’s salary cap rules not as strict mandates, but as obstacles to be evaded, like traffic cones.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Around 32% of previous cohorts are now hiring or championing others for more senior roles, with 68% of alums citing access to decision makers is the single biggest obstacle to career progression.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Verb

Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis exploited them in their April 2023 meeting, blocking a couple of early left hooks in the Las Vegas fight and waiting for his opportunity.

— Chris McKenna, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
For instance, BlockBlock, the software that monitors Macs for processes that seek to permanently install themselves, can block ClickFix attacks as soon as a user presses the ⌘+V keys.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of block

Verb

But what if the longer wavelengths of the embers could both extend the hours of socializing without heavily impeding our sleep cycle?

— Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
In June, a top story was the arrest of fifteen Minnesotans who were charged with federal crimes, including conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers in connection with a March 1st protest outside of ICE’s Minnesota headquarters.

— Emily Witt, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of impede

Noun

Earlier models relied on broad hydrological assumptions and missed practical engineering hurdles.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
At that moment Benson was tempted to use his vertical leap of more than 40 inches to simply glide over him like going over hurdles in a 110-meter race.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Verb

The jury found both Morrow and Stanley guilty of petty misdemeanor charges of obstructing federal property, disrupting government officials’ duties and failing to comply with officials’ orders.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026
He was booked into San Diego Central Jail on charges of felony evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety, obstructing or resisting a peace officer and driving under the influence of drugs, according to police.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of obstruct

Verb

Air force officials in Greece made no immediate comment on the status of the two airmen, noting that rescue crews were hampered by the fire on the grounds of Tanagra air force base, 60 kilometers (about 40 miles) north of Athens.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Stanford went 5 of 15 on third down and was hampered by a slew of inopportune penalties that Miami capitalized on.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of hamper

Noun

Toliaferro is charged with malice murder, criminal trespass and obstruction in the death of 30-year-old Kenyon Jeffries, according to the district attorney's office.

— Rashad Williams, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Fred Guy Monaco of North Little Rock, was arrested on charges of first degree forgery, financial fraud, nonfinancial fraud and obstruction of government operations.

— Dale Ellis, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of obstruction

Verb

Meyer Turku Shipyard in Finland floated out the massive Hero of the Seas last Friday as the ship’s dry dock was filled with more than 90 million gallons of water overnight.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026
Those who bought a vase were able to bring it home filled with fresh flowers.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 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 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of clog

noun

verb

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