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as in to discourage
to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action a fundamental sense of propriety should have inhibited you from making a drunken spectacle of yourself

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inhibit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inhibit are forbid, interdict, and prohibit. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation.

conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade

When is forbid a more appropriate choice than inhibit?

The words forbid and inhibit can be used in similar contexts, but forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

When is it sensible to use interdict instead of inhibit?

While in some cases nearly identical to inhibit, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

When might prohibit be a better fit than inhibit?

The synonyms prohibit and inhibit are sometimes interchangeable, but prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

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 inhibit Interference allows two possible events to inhibit each other, weakening the likelihood of seeing the result of either. Matt Von Hippel, ArsTechnica, 23 June 2025 It’s also shown to help combat photoaging caused by the sun’s harmful UV rays and may even inhibit skin cancer growth. Christina Pérez, Vogue, 23 June 2025 Lefties have hit three homers in 31 PA off him in the majors this year, and he’s got a backwards platoon split in his major-league time to date, which is going to inhibit him as a starter regardless of the uniform. Keith Law, New York Times, 16 June 2025 The sea cucumber has been found to naturally produce a sugary compound that inhibits an enzyme instrumental in facilitating cancer growth, according to a new study. Paul McClure 10, New Atlas, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for inhibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibit
Verb
  • Will this impede efforts to advance gender equality, especially in technology sectors?
    Lauren Buitta, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • But some of the worst economic effects will be felt by future generations, who, according to one Gen Zer interviewed by CNBC, are already concerned the deficit will impede their ability to collect social services.
    Leslie Picker, CNBC, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Camps nationwide are regulated in a number of ways in order to prevent tragedies.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 8 July 2025
  • Unlike medications, supplements are not regulated by the FDA.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Bailey made headlines leading up to the draft by reportedly discouraging Philadelphia from selecting him, and even attempted to do the same with Utah.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
  • President Snow, facing growing unrest across the nation as a result of the pair’s joint victory, demands that Katniss and Peeta pretend to be in love during their Victory Tour to discourage any rebellions.
    Kelly Martinez Published, EW.com, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • The list, created following a Trump executive order, aimed to identify jurisdictions hindering federal immigration laws and potentially withhold their funding.
    Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
  • In addition to drying out the atmosphere, the dust also increases wind shear and atmospheric stability — two other key factors that can hinder storm formation.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • When a reporter asked Attorney General Pam Bondi about the Jeffrey Epstein investigation on Tuesday, President Donald Trump could not contain himself a moment longer.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • But complexity theorists suspect that PSPACE is a much larger class, containing many problems that aren’t in P.
    Ben Brubaker, Wired News, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Proponents of this change worry defamation lawsuits, or even the threat of defamation claims, further dissuades denomination leaders from a tougher, more outspoken posture against ministers accused of abuse.
    Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
  • But neither issue dissuaded me from eating the whole thing.
    Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control 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, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The state media commentary on blind-box toys is reminiscent of Beijing's regulations on video games in recent years, which were aimed at curbing gaming addiction and unsupervised in-game purchases by minors.
    Anniek Bao,Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 July 2025
  • Raskin condemned the administration’s efforts to curb public education, contending President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon can’t abolish the agency without congressional approval.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inhibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inhibit. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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