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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encumber
The department is required to be paid fair market value for any land that is purchased, rented or encumbered, according to a September 2025 appraisal of the property.
—
Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Most of the properties, which are owned by LLCs, are delinquent on tax obligations while some are encumbered by mortgages that are in default —racking up penalties and interest, Seward added.
—Patrick Danner, San Antonio Express-News, 10 Feb. 2026
The action also authorizes the use of disaster emergency funds and allows the OEM to mobilize state resources, make contracts and awards using emergency procurement procedures and encumber and expend funds as determined by the director of the OEM.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
As with other good car designs that endured well beyond their 1960s-era prime, the Type 14 eventually became encumbered by massive rubber bumpers and oversized taillamps by 1973, though even these later models retain their charm.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encumber
Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Most of the properties, which are owned by LLCs, are delinquent on tax obligations while some are encumbered by mortgages that are in default —racking up penalties and interest, Seward added.
—Patrick Danner, San Antonio Express-News, 10 Feb. 2026
The action also authorizes the use of disaster emergency funds and allows the OEM to mobilize state resources, make contracts and awards using emergency procurement procedures and encumber and expend funds as determined by the director of the OEM.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
As with other good car designs that endured well beyond their 1960s-era prime, the Type 14 eventually became encumbered by massive rubber bumpers and oversized taillamps by 1973, though even these later models retain their charm.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encumber
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encumber
Verb
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Most glaring, the shrunken frame meant the steering wheel was impeding Fever’s ability to use the brake pedal.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
30 Apr. 2026
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Martinez had been accused of using her car to assault and impede federal law enforcement before the charges were dismissed in November.—
Selina Guevara,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Wednesday’s game, in particular, ended in extremely bizarre fashion with Xavier Edwards turning an unusual unassisted double play with the bases loaded and Freddie Freeman at the plate.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
30 Apr. 2026
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The Patriots blew the game open with a six-run fifth, including an RBI single from Lindsay and one walk and one hit batter with the bases loaded to push across runs.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Rams boss Les Snead and Chiefs leadership tandem Andy Reid and Brett Veach don’t seem hindered by obstacles either, despite later draft slots and paying future Hall of Fame quarterbacks.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Store them in one layer to avoid crushing, and keep them in cool, dry conditions in the fridge to hinder mold growth.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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If these safeguards advance, why is the emphasis not on reforming underlying financing practices—including deferred interest and retroactive interest models—rather than further burdening providers who are attempting to offer patients a lawful payment pathway when traditional coverage fails them?—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
1 May 2026
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The proposal would burden doctors with giving parents a highly detailed consent statement to be prepared by boards of medicine and osteopathic medicine, and forbid health authorities to order vaccinations during outbreaks of familiar or new deadly diseases.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
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The intensity of the flames and the resulting smoke, compounded by the fact that the fire spread over the area mostly after dark, hampered the aerial firefighting strategy.—
Stefano Pozzebon,
CNN Money,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Mundo Maya is a region filled with natural wonders, historic remnants, architectural and archaeological beauty, and modern-day luxuries.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
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It's filled with plants, so don't picture a giant mud hole.—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Maden and Algerio charged Brown with resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration.—
Sheetal Banchariya,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
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The Justice Department charged Comey with making false statements and obstructing justice in connection with his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2020.—
Carrie Johnson,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That this series has flipped on its head seemed almost impossible last Sunday, when the Celtics embarrassed Philadelphia in a Game 4 win on the Sixers’ home floor.—
Tobias Bass,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
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The Mets were embarrassed by the Washington Nationals in an 14-2 blowout to even up the series at one game apiece.—
James O'Connell,
New York Daily News,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encumber. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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