Definition of inhibitnext
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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 There are structural reasons that may inhibit people from adopting a healthy diet, Ortega argued. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026 This suggests that these trees have evolved a unique defense strategy where chemical compounds are mobilized to seal wounds, while also inhibiting the invasion of pathogens or herbivores. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026 Interestingly, one study found that bamboo compounds inhibited the formation of furan and reduced the formation of acrylamide – the toxic chemicals produced through frying or roasting some foods. New Atlas, 20 Jan. 2026 Fenugreek and ginseng, which can inhibit blood clotting, may also affect blood sugar levels. Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inhibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibit
Verb
  • Homan said there will be zero tolerance for interfering, impeding or assaulting officers.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 30 Jan. 2026
  • While parking in the driveway may be convenient, cars cannot block the sidewalk or impede pedestrians passing by.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But, like the media companies, both banks are regulated by his Administration, creating an incentive to settle.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Breathable, flexible fabrics help regulate temperature and move with your body—especially when layered intentionally.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The travel watch still discourages unnecessary travel.
    Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Jan. 2026
  • The region is grappling with a winter storm that is paralyzing activity in the area with freezing precipitation on its roads, discouraging shoppers from heading out to stores.
    Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The instigators were allowed to go beyond peaceful protests to hindering law enforcement from doing their job which escalated with the result of two people tragically losing their lives.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Outdoor air quality and temperature are key—clean, cool air can help, but polluted or overly dry air can hinder sleep.
    Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Emerging from the Working group, Penny beat out 2,499 other canines spread across seven different groups containing 204 total breeds to win the coveted prize.
    Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The polar vortex is a persistent, large-scale cyclone that circles the Arctic and contains extremely cold air.
    Brandi D. Addison, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • If some companies, like BP and Total acquiesced, others like Exxon and Conoco packed up and left, writing off $billions and filing international arbitration claims that dissuaded many firms from seeking to establish operations in the country.
    Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
  • There’s nothing like the threats of Sasquatch coming into the theater, stuffing you in a sleeping bag and beating you against a tree in one of their Don’t Talk PSAs to dissuade you from using your phone.
    Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Such giants have been hampered by worries that their stock prices shot too high and became too expensive following their years-long dominance of the market.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Speaking outside the downtown Los Angeles courthouse, Lemon said his arrest would not hamper his work in the press.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Now, authorities are stepping in to slow the flow, introducing new restrictions aimed at curbing day-trip tourism and easing pressure on the village.
    Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Traffic counts were taken during off-peak periods that do not reflect summer park use or event conditions, and core operational assumptions — shuttle volumes, curb capacity, pedestrian crossings, and rideshare demand — remain unvalidated by independent analysis.
    Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inhibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inhibit. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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