hamper 1 of 2

hamper

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb hamper contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hamper are clog, fetter, manacle, shackle, and trammel. While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence.

hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

When is it sensible to use clog instead of hamper?

The meanings of clog and hamper largely overlap; however, clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering.

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

In what contexts can fetter take the place of hamper?

The synonyms fetter and hamper are sometimes interchangeable, but fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

How is shackle related to other words for hamper?

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 could trammel be used to replace hamper?

While in some cases nearly identical to hamper, 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 hamper
Verb
The lack of a collective business response to Trump hampers companies’ ability to push back on tariffs and other issues that may hurt the economy, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Steven Tian at the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute said this week. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 23 May 2025 The credit reporting system is currently under siege from a sophisticated fraud typology — injecting false information that undermines its integrity and hampers lenders' ability to accurately assess credit risk. Dr. David Maimon, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Noun
The treatment is a new step for Devers, who has been hampered since the Giants traded for him last month. Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 12 July 2025 Since then, she has been hampered by injuries, poor form, and an unhealthy level of attention. Sam Knight, New Yorker, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for hamper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamper
Verb
  • While the overall economic forecast remains ambiguous due to persistent worries regarding tariffs affecting major trading partners—which may incite inflation and hinder growth—Goldman is projected to gain from robust performance in its trading division.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Dry thunderstorms and gusty winds are hindering firefighting efforts and increasing fire risk.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • The Thunder couldn’t keep Furphy from the basket early.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Depending on the size of your tree, either use a stable ladder that is tall enough to safely and comfortably reach the cherries, or use a picking tool such as a fruit picking basket or a grabber with a long pole.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Though no charges have been filed, the probe was backed by DOJ leadership and stemmed from a memo by former Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, now a Trump judicial nominee, urging prosecution of state actors who impede immigration enforcement.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
  • Agents were executing a search warrant at the farm and arrested several individuals on suspicion of impeding the operation, according to Essayli.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • In fact, one reviewer purchased a previous iteration of this bag and came back almost two decades later to buy it again.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
  • Over two years of regular use, this versatile bag has taken a beating, but doesn’t show it thanks to its thick, water-repellent fabric that’s easy to spot clean.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2025
  • In addition, Yoon is accused of obstructing warrant executions by the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) in December and January by mobilizing the presidential security detail and authorizing the use of force.
    Yoonjung Seo, CNN Money, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • This midi frock features a round-neckline, short sleeves, and roomy pockets, and it’s designed with a drawstring waist for a personalized fit.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 19 July 2025
  • Donations of new school supplies are needed, including pencils, pens, crayons, scissors, notebooks, paper, glue sticks, pocket folders, erasers and hand sanitizer.
    Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • Manager Luis Enrique's side then embarrassed Inter Miami 4-0 in the round of 16 and survived two late red cards vs. Bayern Munich to win that quarterfinal battle 2-0. PSG vs. Real Madrid Injury, Suspension, Lineup News: Both teams will be missing key pieces along their back lines today.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
  • The Nuggets, like the current Rockies, were embarrassing themselves regularly before posting an 11-71 record.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • In their last three college games, Fiske and Verse combined for 9 1/2 sacks — the Fujiwhara effect.
    Dan Pompei, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • In fact, after 13 games in 2022, Wyatt had just three pressures, no sacks and no quarterback hits.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hamper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamper. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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