encumber

verb

in-ˈkəm-bər How to pronounce encumber (audio)
Definition of encumbernext
1
as in to impede
to create difficulty for the work or activity of the claim that all of these regulations encumber doctors, taking time away from the actual practice of medicine

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to load
to place a weight or burden on don't encumber your pack animal so much that it can hardly move

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 encumber The Mavericks now begin a comprehensive search for their next head coach, hoping their next candidate is a promising figure with little regard for the spree of bad luck that has encumbered this organization. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2026 Many analysts noting the stock’s run-up due to news in March of price increases and a general sense of relief that the company wouldn’t be encumbered by a massive acquisition of traditional assets. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2026 Neither encumbers this production. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026 His brand of athleticism is predicated on a bouncy explosiveness that shouldn’t be encumbered with unnecessary bulking. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for encumber
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encumber
  1. impede
  2. load
  3. hinder
  4. burden
  5. hamper
  6. fill
  7. obstruct
  8. embarrass
Verb
  • Lynda Albertson, an art-crime analyst, said the works are instantly recognizable, impeding any effort to sell them through reputable channels.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Lynda Albertson, an art crime analyst, said the works are instantly recognizable, impeding any effort to sell them through reputable channels.
    — Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of impede
Verb
  • Similarly, loading up the XI for the opener away to Fulham with players who have enjoyed the benefits of a full pre-season makes sense, too.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Singles by Trout, Nolan Schanuel and Vaughn Grissom loaded the bases.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of load
Verb
  • Avoiding the storm-hindering winds would give it a better shot at becoming a tropical depression or storm.
    — Robin Webb, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Picking the material and making a design that would not hinder the astronaut’s movements was another.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of hinder
Verb
  • At the same time, Lanterns comes with a set of expectations that will never burden Reacher, an extended B movie of a TV series adapted from a potboiler run of airplane novels.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Investors found out about the company’s troubles in an explosive article published by The Cut last year, which reported that the company was burdened by internal power and relationship struggles.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of burden
Verb
  • Collapsed buildings East Nusa Tenggara Police Chief Rudi Darmoko said power outages hampered the spread of information about the impact of the earthquake in cities and villages, complicating search and rescue efforts.
    — Yacob Herin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The attack is hampered further by uncertainty over when left-winger Kaoru Mitoma will be available to return from hamstring surgery.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of hamper
Verb
  • Be sure to plan at least one evening on-property to catch the sunset, when the mountains are painted in shades of pink and purple before giving way to a sky filled with twinkling stars.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • His previous spell on the Bernabeu bench was filled with arguments and feuds, with the Portuguese angrily taking on referees, journalists, opposition coaches and even his own players.
    — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of fill
Verb
  • Overly rigid implementation could also obstruct productive work.
    — Kavin Bendre, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The order prohibits anyone from withholding or obstructing necessary treatment or removing, discharging or transferring the child while the case is pending.
    — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstruct
Verb
  • College students should not have to worry about their parents embarrassing them to an audience of thousands.
    — Mary Frances Ruskell, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • One night earlier in the tour, a woman Usher had brought onstage rebuked him, which embarrassed him.
    — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of embarrass

Browse Nearby Words

enculturating
encumber
encumbered
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Cite this Entry

“Encumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encumber. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of encumber for Spanish Speakers

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