1
as in opening
to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions
unclog a bathroom drain with a cleaner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in facilitating
to free from obstruction or difficulty
unclog the way for more people to take advantage of the government program
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unclogging
Against Palace last week, his 75th-minute introduction for Sesko helped speed up United’s movement down the right-hand side, unclogging a stodgy attack.
—
Carl Anka, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Inhaling the steam from and consuming a hot beverage (like water) can help with nasal congestion by breaking up mucus and unclogging the sinuses.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 9 Feb. 2026
Union Pacific has said the $85 billion merger would serve the public interest and secure federal approval by unclogging Chicago, a notorious bottleneck.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
Carl Anka, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Inhaling the steam from and consuming a hot beverage (like water) can help with nasal congestion by breaking up mucus and unclogging the sinuses.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 9 Feb. 2026
Union Pacific has said the $85 billion merger would serve the public interest and secure federal approval by unclogging Chicago, a notorious bottleneck.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unclogging
Verb
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The only way to pull out of an awful season-opening stretch is one at-bat, one pitch, one win at a time.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
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Founded by Jesús Brazón, the bakery famous for its croissants, sourdough and cachitos will be opening this week at the Harbour Club in Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour neighborhood.—
Connie Ogle
April 8,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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While fraud in the hospice industry is a long-running and complex problem, the role of physicians – knowingly or unwittingly facilitating it – has largely gone overlooked.—
Grace Manthey,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
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Beyond the balance sheet, commercial properties remain superior economic engines, facilitating higher density and much greater foot traffic than residential uses.—
John Mannillo,
Twin Cities,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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If there is clearing and sunshine behind the morning complex, then more activity will flare up and may even be strong in the afternoon.—
Lauren Bostwick,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
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In some cases, that share is even higher, with nearly every listing in Nantucket, Massachusetts—99 percent—now clearing the seven-figure mark.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unclogging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unclogging. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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