as in impedes
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
Relevance
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 stymies
This stymies Floridians who want to know if they are being treated fairly, or if state regulators are pursuing potential violations with appropriate vigor.
—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026
The impossibility of keeping up breeds apathy and stymies opposition.
—Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
But competition sometimes stymies talent.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2026
Horned Frogs defense stymies Golden Eagles TCU’s defense made life difficult for the Golden Eagles, who almost had as many baskets (11) as turnovers (9) in the first half and struggled.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Dec. 2025
Deflation often stymies growth by discouraging consumption.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 1 Dec. 2025
Uncertainty stymies hiring Through August, monthly job gains average 74,750, BLS data shows.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
The United States currently may be the global leader in AI development, but that could change if litigation stymies investment by imposing excessive damages on AI companies.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 8 Aug. 2025
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026
The impossibility of keeping up breeds apathy and stymies opposition.
—Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
But competition sometimes stymies talent.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2026
Horned Frogs defense stymies Golden Eagles TCU’s defense made life difficult for the Golden Eagles, who almost had as many baskets (11) as turnovers (9) in the first half and struggled.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Dec. 2025
Deflation often stymies growth by discouraging consumption.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 1 Dec. 2025
Uncertainty stymies hiring Through August, monthly job gains average 74,750, BLS data shows.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
The United States currently may be the global leader in AI development, but that could change if litigation stymies investment by imposing excessive damages on AI companies.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 8 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stymies
Verb
-
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
-
This gross oversight, which is largely due to a lack of financial backing, impedes reproductive health for everyone.—
Kenneth H. Mayer,
STAT,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Afterward, Denver7 heard from Douglas County residents, including a Parker woman who feels the move hinders productive conversations around local issues and is merely a way for the commissioners to dodge criticism and accountability.—
thedenverchannel.com,
Denver Post,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2023, which hinders his ability to communicate.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Their team might need the firmer assessment that challenges pride and even embarrasses, then the next year's group might need a lighter touch.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Maia and her boyfriend Dylan (Josh Hustcherson) are on the outs after Maia completely embarrasses herself at Dylan’s game night with his co-workers.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
21 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stymies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stymies. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
