INHIBITS Synonyms: 132 Similar and Opposite Words

inhibits

verb

Definition of inhibits next

present tense third-person singular of inhibit

as in impedes

to create difficulty for the work or activity of the cold inhibited her from getting much work done that morning

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Relevance

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as in regulates

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) laws designed to inhibit the powers of the intelligence organizations

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as in discourages

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

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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 inhibits In explaining its move, the regulator acknowledged a long-standing complaint from researchers who have argued that without access to specific data, trial results cannot be easily duplicated, which inhibits greater understanding of how medicines might work. —

Ed Silverman, STAT, 14 Apr. 2026 Strong El Niños often result in stronger wind shear over the Atlantic Basin in summer, which inhibits storm formation. —

Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026 This is especially important for people with anemia because green tea inhibits iron absorption and could worsen the condition. —

Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 10 Mar. 2026 Glyphosate inhibits protein synthesis in plants and microorganisms, leading to their death. —

Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026 This can release a chemical that inhibits anxiety. —

Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026 After your baby is born progesterone (which inhibits breastmilk production) drops and prolactin, which controls milk volume, and oxytocin, which triggers the let-down reflex increases, explains Nadine Rosenblum, the perinatal lactation program coordinator at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. —

Hannah Silverman, Parents, 16 Feb. 2026 High sugar content helps extend shelf life, with sugar as a natural preservative that inhibits the growth of microorganisms. —

Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2026 Include Flexible Seating Holiday gatherings highlight seating issues immediately, such as a lack of enough room for everyone to sit, or a living room layout that inhibits conversation. —

Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 14 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibits

Verb

Let go of whatever impedes your growth.

— Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
The weir prohibits the flow of saltwater into the lagoon and impedes the draining of sediment from the lagoon into the ocean.

— Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026