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

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, 1 June 2026

In an age when so much of the world feels hampered by cynicism, Khare remains perpetually and unapologetically hopeful. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 1 June 2026

Noun

If immediate washing isn’t possible, air them out to dry before tossing them in the hamper to reduce bacteria growth and odor intensity. —Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 21 Apr. 2026

All hail a double laundry hamper with enough room for multiple loads. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2026