HAMPER Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

hamper 1 of 2

verb

ˈham-pər

Definition of hamper next

as in to hinder

to create difficulty for the work or activity of fallen branches hampered the hikers as they made their way along the narrow path

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hamper

2 of 2

noun

as in basket

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

With its diminished economic and cultural appeal hampering its ability to forge new partnerships, the United States risks allowing its adversaries to deepen their ties to nonaligned countries in ways that harm U.S. interests. —

Roger W. Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 30 Jan. 2025 That said, the relative shortage of auto advertisers didn’t hamper Fox’s sales efforts, as the network effectively sold the last of its available Big Game units on Nov. 4. —

Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 Jan. 2025

Noun

Disinfect hampers that have had contact with a sick person’s laundry. —

The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025 Even better, use a sorting hamper to make laundry day easier. —

Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hamper

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamper

Verb

Driving the news: The freezing of State Department funds is hindering local groups from helping refugees who arrived shortly before the executive order, says Adam Clark, the executive director of World Relief Durham.

— Zachery Eanes, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025
Beauty struck a rare sour note during its quarterly report, cutting its full-year guidance in light of a January that the retailer says was hindered by the LA wildfires and fewer makeup tutorials on TikTok.

— Sara Salinas, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025