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 Very few storms reach this point due to inhibiting factors such as strong winds in the upper atmosphere. Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025 Picking the Wrong Location Planting fruit trees in overly shady spots or poorly draining soil inhibits fruiting and makes your plants more susceptible to pests, diseases, and rot. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2025 Moreover, researchers demonstrated PLM-Interact’s ability to identify how mutations influence protein interactions, leading to genetic diseases or inhibiting important PPIs in cancers. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025 Anthocyanins are anti-inflammatory antioxidants that have been shown to inhibit the development of cancer in animal studies. Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inhibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibit
Verb
  • Yet the current administration’s dismissive stance toward mRNA science, particularly COVID vaccines, could impede that effort.
    Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
  • New data shows Loop vacancies ballooned over the recent third quarter as post-pandemic work trends continue to impact and impede demand.
    Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • According to Spark Biomedical, this stimulation regulates the nervous system and influences blood flow.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The devices measure pollutants regulated by the EPA, including nitrogen oxides, ozone and particulate matter from sources like gas turbines, factories and heavy traffic.
    Jack Armstrong, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Despite being one of the top defenses all season, the last month has been discouraging.
    Austin Mock, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • This design helps prevent condensation buildup and discourages rodents and pests, while still reducing the risk of damage from falling debris during winter storms.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Unfortunately, in 2025, this display has — so far — been seriously hindered by the presence of a brilliant moon.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 10 Nov. 2025
  • In a statement, the Justice Department told NPR the ongoing government shutdown is hindering its ability to consider appeals and reimburse organizations.
    NPR, NPR, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Dominique could hardly contain himself in his seat.
    Mirin Fader, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Some fruit pits and seeds, like those in apples and pears, contain traces of cyanide, which is harmful to birds.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The reminder didn’t dissuade at least five park visitors from participating in a 2023 brawl that was captured on video, showing a woman and man throwing punches at each other and wrestling before others joined in.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
  • By providing the Kichwa additional education and alternative sources of income, they’re dissuaded from hunting the more incredible animals in the rainforest.
    Noah Lederman, Robb Report, 3 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Damage to the blood-brain barrier leads to inflammation within the brain and hampers the clearance of waste products like beta-amyloid protein (seen in Alzheimer's disease).
    Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
  • All of these issues combined have left Target with a workforce that has grown faster than sales and a complex corporate structure that has hampered decision-making and created needless red tape.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge,Annie Palmer,Frank Holland, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Alex Rafalowicz, executive director of that initiative, told me the idea for a treaty builds on an International Court of Justice decision earlier this year that held nations legally responsible for curbing climate-heating pollution.
    John D. Sutter, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • But Walpole’s excitement was curbed when they were flagged for excessive celebration.
    Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inhibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inhibit. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on inhibit

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