1
as in to impede
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
the cold inhibited her from getting much work done that morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to regulate
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
laws designed to inhibit the powers of the intelligence organizations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
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
This can release a chemical that inhibits anxiety.
—
Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026
The pre-emergent would inhibit the germination of the grass seedlings.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 19 Feb. 2026
Even with the partial shutdown of several gates during construction that inhibited Southwest Airlines’ long-term expansion plans here, air travel was robust enough last year to compensate for that.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Plus, ginger has antimicrobial potential, which may help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and viruses.
—Lauren Manaker, SELF, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inhibit
Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026
The pre-emergent would inhibit the germination of the grass seedlings.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 19 Feb. 2026
Even with the partial shutdown of several gates during construction that inhibited Southwest Airlines’ long-term expansion plans here, air travel was robust enough last year to compensate for that.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Plus, ginger has antimicrobial potential, which may help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and viruses.
—Lauren Manaker, SELF, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inhibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibit
Verb
-
Aid groups say the true war death toll could be many times higher, as the fighting in vast and remote areas impedes access.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Although privacy advocates have praised the ability of encryption to effectively scramble messages so third parties are unable to snoop on people’s conversations, various members of law enforcement have said that doing so impedes their ability to investigate certain crimes.—
Jonathan Vanian,
CNBC,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The American Water Works Association, a utility industry association, had challenged the rule in court, arguing the EPA lacks authority to regulate the portion of the pipe that’s on private property and therefore cannot require water systems to replace them.—
Michael Phillis,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Meanwhile, eating fiber helps regulate blood sugar, cholesterol, and digestion, and supports feelings of fullness.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The bitter taste discourages some animals, and others are put off by the smell.—
Joan Morris,
Mercury News,
23 Feb. 2026
-
And try not to get discouraged by a stitch, either.—
Sarah Klein,
Outside,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Children need problem-solving skills to thrive outside their parents' home—lawnmower parenting can hinder the development of those skills.—
Jazmin Towe,
Parents,
22 Feb. 2026
-
The team successfully addressed a recurring liquid hydrogen leak issue — which had previously hindered testing — by replacing seals that held firm during this full fueling process.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Professor Jian Shi, associate professor in the UH Cullen College of Engineering, said many Americans already hold unused devices that contain valuable materials.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Broccoli, cauliflower, artichoke, endive, dandelion, cabbage, and chicory contain bitter compounds that stimulate bile production, which supports fat digestion, waste elimination, and hormonal balance—indirectly helping manage acid load.—
Mélanie Defouilloy,
Vogue,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Not one to be easily dissuaded, Jackson spotted a nearby restaurant, walked in and asked to use the phone.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Brooks himself had been the final player cut from that 1960 team, but he would not be dissuaded returning 20 years later to put together the unlikeliest of underdog teams that would go on to shock the world.—
Patrick Snell,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Moore was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, playing three years there before a series of injuries hampered his career.—
Dianna Russini,
New York Times,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Operations are fully paperless, a NORDAQ filtration system eliminates single-use plastic water bottles, and smart climate control throughout helps curb energy usage.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
-
In his address to Congress, the president reiterated his desire to reclaim the Panama Canal to curb China’s influence in the region.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inhibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inhibit. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
