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 sanctions are hampering work on a broad array of investigations at the court. Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2025 But giving him shifts still seemed to hamper the team. Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Noun
All hail a double laundry hamper with enough room for multiple loads. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2025 From backpack coolers to hampers, these are our favorite picnic baskets for park days, beach trips, hiking excursions, and more. Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hamper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamper
Verb
  • This discrepancy hindered the adoption of BI, which might further damage AI by generating models that are trained with false assumptions and generate erroneous predictions.
    Artyom Keydunov, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • Starring Frank Dillane, the film — which was already generating buzz before Cannes — follows a troubled but charming young man on the streets of London whose efforts to get his life in order are hindered by his own self-destructive tendencies.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Small scalloped hyacinth baskets ($49) keep hold of some of her favorite things.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 15 May 2025
  • Planting petunias in containers—like planters, hanging baskets, or window boxes—works well for both gardeners and hummingbirds, says Carey.
    Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • On April 16, the Department of Homeland Security threatened to impede Harvard’s ability to enroll students from abroad – an unprecedented move that would devastate the campus if the White House moved forward with it.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • In Wednesday’s ruling, Gonzalez Rogers said Apple is immediately barred from impeding developers’ ability to communicate with users, and the company must not levy its new commission on off-app purchases.
    Reuters, NBC news, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Then, open the bag and your truffles and bon bons will be just like you new.
    Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 13 May 2025
  • None of the quartet has been good offensively, and defensively, the first base bag has seen better days.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
  • Additionally, Iman accused the Gonna Love Me singer of taking their kids out of school for no reason and willfully obstructing and interfering with his right to pick up the their kids on April 17.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The term is reserved for a specific type of dress shirt fabric that's traditionally from Scotland and currently used to refer to shirts that are a bit thicker, coarser, and sport a breast pocket.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
  • By all accounts, to interact with $TRUMP is to funnel money directly into the president’s pockets, but the campaign-finance laws that caused the Winklevosses’ exorbitant donations to be refunded don’t apply here.
    Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Johnson’s predecessor, Larry Robinson, resigned last year amid fallout from a fake $237 million donation scandal that embarrassed the school on the national stage.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025
  • What’s made the 18th so fun this week is its ability — even for just a second — to embarrass the best golfers on the planet.
    Jordan Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Chicago was also extremely active in free agency, adding guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, and center Drew Dalman to an offensive line that allowed 68 sacks a year ago.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Parsons has accumulated 52 1/2 sacks and 112 quarterback hits in four seasons for the Cowboys.
    Josh Kendall, New York Times, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hamper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamper. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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