1
as in to impede
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
the claim that all of these regulations encumber doctors, taking time away from the actual practice of medicine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to load
to place a weight or burden on
don't encumber your pack animal so much that it can hardly move
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 encumber
They won’t be encumbered with the obsolescence of traditional Google search or sitting at a terminal.
—
John Werner, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
The volatility has encumbered companies that seek to understand the impact of tariffs and regulation on their business model, Barclays’ Venkatakrishnan said.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 22 May 2025
China, as the relative newcomer in the region, is not encumbered by any historical legacy.
—Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
SailGP is the antithesis of the America’s Cup, a competition encumbered by tradition and complications.
—Andrew Rice, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encumber
John Werner, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
The volatility has encumbered companies that seek to understand the impact of tariffs and regulation on their business model, Barclays’ Venkatakrishnan said.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 22 May 2025
China, as the relative newcomer in the region, is not encumbered by any historical legacy.
—Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
SailGP is the antithesis of the America’s Cup, a competition encumbered by tradition and complications.
—Andrew Rice, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encumber
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encumber
Verb
-
Though no charges have been filed, the probe was backed by DOJ leadership and stemmed from a memo by former Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, now a Trump judicial nominee, urging prosecution of state actors who impede immigration enforcement.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 July 2025
-
Agents were executing a search warrant at the farm and arrested several individuals on suspicion of impeding the operation, according to Essayli.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
Garbage trucks will arrive to pick up trash when bins reach fully loaded.—
Jeffrey Steele,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
Laughs are loading for this year’s New York Comedy Festival.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
While the overall economic forecast remains ambiguous due to persistent worries regarding tariffs affecting major trading partners—which may incite inflation and hinder growth—Goldman is projected to gain from robust performance in its trading division.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Dry thunderstorms and gusty winds are hindering firefighting efforts and increasing fire risk.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
For instance, if a colleague of color shares an experience of racial bias, responding with emotional upset (even if valid) can shift the focus back to the person in power, burdening the individual seeking support.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
-
His fiscal choices are reckless, favoring insiders while burdening taxpayers.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
13 July 2025
Verb
-
Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
-
One of the central concerns is whether Trump administration cuts to the National Weather Service — the backbone of the country’s weather warning system — will hamper local governments and residents from staving off disaster when severe weather strikes.—
William Tong,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Most everyone agrees that MLB is not going to put a third team in Florida; not when the Marlins draw sparse crowds in a market saturated with pro teams, and not when the Rays — even during playoff runs — couldn’t consistently fill Tropicana Field.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
-
Every region in the nation is struggling to fill these crucial seats to keep jets moving efficiently, quickly and safely.—
Sharon DeVivo,
New York Daily News,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
Washington blames Hamas for prolonging the war and obstructing humanitarian aid.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
-
Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
Manager Luis Enrique's side then embarrassed Inter Miami 4-0 in the round of 16 and survived two late red cards vs. Bayern Munich to win that quarterfinal battle 2-0. PSG vs. Real Madrid Injury, Suspension, Lineup News: Both teams will be missing key pieces along their back lines today.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
-
The Nuggets, like the current Rockies, were embarrassing themselves regularly before posting an 11-71 record.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encumber. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share