Synonyms of inhibition

inhibition

noun

ˌin-hə-ˈbi-shən 

1

as in restraint

the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others

an innate inhibition made it difficult for him to tell his girlfriend what he was really feeling

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restraint
• discipline
• repression
• suppression
• composure
• constraint
• self-control
• discretion
• reserve
• self-restraint
• refrainment
• continence
• control
• self-command
• possession
• mastery
• self-discipline
• willpower
• silence
• distance
• shyness
• will
• aloofness
• bashfulness
• reticence
• modesty
• self-government
• self-censorship
• command
• self-mastery
• self-denial
• self-containment
• taciturnity
• self-possession
• self-poise
• detachedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disinhibition
• incontinence
• gratification
• indulgence
• unconstraint
• frankness
• overindulgence
• uninhibitedness
• candor
• bluntness
• intemperance
• self-abandonment
• unrestrainedness
• self-indulgence
• immoderacy

2

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult

without the inhibition of their jackets, the boys were able to wrestle more vigorously

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obstacle
• hurdle
• obstruction
• embarrassment
• interference
• barrier
• impediment
• hindrance
• burden
• encumbrance
• let
• block
• deterrent
• chain
• constraint
• handicap
• stumbling block
• shackles
• stop
• cramp
• load
• delay
• blockade
• brake
• balk
• clog
• blockage
• trammel
• hitch
• drag
• restraint
• fetter
• bar
• holdback
• manacle
• arrest
• crimp
• danger
• curb
• disadvantage
• stone wall
• brick wall
• rein
• rub
• stoppage
• difficulty
• hazard
• embargo
• catch
• stall
• hardship
• snag
• drawback
• reef
• peril
• bit
• holdup
• adversity
• hobble
• check
• cumber

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stimulus
• incentive
• catalyst
• impetus
• advantage
• spur
• edge
• assistance
• stimulant
• benefit
• aid
• break
• goad
• help
• boost
• handmaiden

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inhibition

The little people are being menaced by a dark force—a force with power, money, and very few moral inhibitions. — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026

Shrug off inhibitions and break the ice as the moon and Uranus harmonize. — Usa Today, USA Today, 4 June 2026

Amy Lawrence pointed out that, while Arsenal possess that type of player, there is a level of inhibition. — Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 May 2026

Alcohol relieves social inhibition. — Jonathan Avery, STAT, 11 May 2026