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 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
Some 60% of the world’s GDP is encumbered by debt to GDP of 100% or more, and untypically large deficits in the context of a business cycle expansion phase.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The block is encumbered with three ground leases.
—Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encumber
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
Some 60% of the world’s GDP is encumbered by debt to GDP of 100% or more, and untypically large deficits in the context of a business cycle expansion phase.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The block is encumbered with three ground leases.
—Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encumber
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encumber
Verb
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Though tension from your peers or co-workers may impede your drive, pausing to talk things out should minimize any issues.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
In January, Geren notified more than 50 of the 62 Democrats that each owes $9,200 in fines and other charges for impeding the progress of the House by not showing up in the Capitol last August as lawmakers deliberated a plan to overhaul the state's congressional map.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Justin Topa gave up an infield single to Parker Meadows that loaded the bases before Zach McKinstry lined out to left field.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
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Woo had the Rangers following the same script on Wednesday, allowing only two hits through his first four innings of work, but the team got after the pitcher in the fifth and loaded the bases for Brandon Nimmo, who hit a weak grounder to first baseman Connor Joe.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Crowfoot said the state’s ongoing efforts are also helping to restore vital tidal habitats and remove barriers that hinder fish migration.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Apr. 2026
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The tension between baseball ops and Bob Melvin and Shildt’s disdain for input and feedback hindered this communication process the past four seasons.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
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When feeling crushed or burdened, take a micro-break.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
10 Apr. 2026
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More than one in three West Virginia households is considered energy burdened, spending more than 6% of their income on electricity and other fuel costs.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Sandboxing allows firms to focus solely on moving experiments swiftly through the pilot phase because the teams working on them are not hampered by juggling experimentation with their day-to-day.—
Francesca Cassidy,
Fortune,
7 Apr. 2026
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His attempts at a comeback could still be hampered.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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With Estévez sidelined, the Royals turned to Lucas Erceg to fill the closer spot.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
9 Apr. 2026
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The celebrated restaurant in the Roma Norte neighborhood is most famous for its whole red snapper painted in vibrant swaths of red chile and green parsley sauces, but the menu is filled with must-try seafood (like the impeccable tuna tostadas).—
Kate Kassin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Police said 65-year-old William Hemphill was arrested and charged with obstructing highway passageway.—
CBS Texas Staff,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
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The opportunities for science abound, such as the spectacular sight of a solar eclipse when the moon fully obstructs the sun from view.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Watching a prodigy embarrass the world over 72 holes was riveting; equally captivating is following the same person be exposed by life, hubris and ego.—
Mac Engel
April 9,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
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And, as if embarrassed by the whole business, the show will do something crazy to blast the tear from your eye.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encumber. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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