stymie

verb

ˈstī-mē How to pronounce stymie (audio)
Definition of stymienext
as in to impede
to create difficulty for the work or activity of the raging blizzard stymied the rescuers' attempts to find the stranded mountain climbers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 stymie In Poland, however, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has lately been stymied in his reforms by a far-right president despite winning an election. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026 Alternative land routes for Ukrainian grain are also being stymied by low water levels on the Danube river, and by rail maintenance in Eastern Europe. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026 Kennedy's vaccine agenda has been stymied, in part, by the White House's infighting. — Amanda Seitz, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 The 2022 shooting led Orlando police, already a prominent presence downtown, to install security checkpoints to screen for weapons, but that effort was ultimately stymied by a change to Florida law allowing gun owners to carry without a permit. — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stymie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stymie
  1. impede
  2. hinder
  3. hamper
  4. embarrass
  5. obstruct
Verb
  • But what if the longer wavelengths of the embers could both extend the hours of socializing without heavily impeding our sleep cycle?
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In June, a top story was the arrest of fifteen Minnesotans who were charged with federal crimes, including conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers in connection with a March 1st protest outside of ICE’s Minnesota headquarters.
    — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of impede
Verb
  • At worst, his weaknesses prove disruptive to the lineup in his minutes or hinder the development of the others.
    — Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Internalizing the middle Cross-border shopping has traditionally carried friction for consumers that could have otherwise hindered their ability to purchase from international retailers.
    — Karen Koehler, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of hinder
Verb
  • Air force officials in Greece made no immediate comment on the status of the two airmen, noting that rescue crews were hampered by the fire on the grounds of Tanagra air force base, 60 kilometers (about 40 miles) north of Athens.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Stanford went 5 of 15 on third down and was hampered by a slew of inopportune penalties that Miami capitalized on.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of hamper
Verb
  • This clearly sounds like a blazing hot take that will chill soon and embarrass often.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The comprehensive regimen is meant to uncover any prior criminal conduct in an applicant’s past as well as embarrassing personal information that could make an employee vulnerable to blackmail.
    — Eric Tucker, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of embarrass
Verb
  • The jury found both Morrow and Stanley guilty of petty misdemeanor charges of obstructing federal property, disrupting government officials’ duties and failing to comply with officials’ orders.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026
  • He was booked into San Diego Central Jail on charges of felony evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety, obstructing or resisting a peace officer and driving under the influence of drugs, according to police.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of obstruct

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Cite this Entry

“Stymie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stymie. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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