Synonyms of hamper

hamper 1 of 2

verb

ˈham-pər 

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

• hinder
• impede
• obstruct
• embarrass
• handicap
• inhibit
• delay
• restrain
• stymie
• disrupt
• interfere (with)
• constrain
• block
• cramp
• hobble
• thwart
• frustrate
• encumber
• clog
• handcuff
• shackle
• tie up
• hold back
• stifle
• fetter
• short-circuit
• tie
• trammel
• hog-tie
• bind
• curb
• give a hard time
• manacle
• cramp one's style
• brake
• check
• retard
• rein
• hold up
• retain
• choke
• sabotage
• strangle
• confine
• baffle
• balk
• derail
• arrest
• bog (down)
• tether
• chain
• blockade
• barricade
• leash
• smother
• suffocate
• foil
• roadblock
• mire
• muzzle
• repress
• stump
• suppress
• halter
• hedge (in)
• hem (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• help
• facilitate
• aid
• assist
• open
• clear
• liberate
• free
• make way
• release
• promote
• encourage
• loosen
• unclog
• smooth
• unplug
• unstop
• further
• untie

hamper

2 of 2

noun

as in basket

Related Words

• basket
• bag
• pocket
• sack
• crate
• trunk
• bin
• box
• locker
• carton
• cooler
• caddy
• casket
• warmer
• case
• bowl
• kit
• basin
• bottle
• kettle
• cartridge
• handbasket
• tub
• pack
• bucket
• pail
• pitcher
• jug
• keg
• can
• jar
• pot
• carrier
• container
• vat
• holder
• receptacle
• vessel

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

Recent Examples of hamper

Verb

Interviewers begin to ask him whether his polarizing stature might hamper his effectiveness as a public-health spokesperson—a reasonable question. — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2026

Delays connecting new power plants to the grid are hampering progress. — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Aug. 2026

Noun

Limited testing, deep mistrust and insecurity from armed groups and mass displacement hamper efforts, with health workers tracking only about 45% of contacts — far below the 90% needed. — Ope Adetayo, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026

After the filming was done, Feargal Quinn sent me a hamper, by way of thanks. — Anne Enright, New Yorker, 1 June 2026