hamper 1 of 2

hamper

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb hamper contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hamper are clog, fetter, manacle, shackle, and trammel. While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence.

hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

When is it sensible to use clog instead of hamper?

The meanings of clog and hamper largely overlap; however, clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering.

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

In what contexts can fetter take the place of hamper?

The synonyms fetter and hamper are sometimes interchangeable, but fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

How is shackle related to other words for hamper?

Both shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom.

a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice
a people manacled by tyranny

When could trammel be used to replace hamper?

While in some cases nearly identical to hamper, trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net.

rules that trammel the artist's creativity

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 hamper
Verb
The lack of a collective business response to Trump hampers companies’ ability to push back on tariffs and other issues that may hurt the economy, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Steven Tian at the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute said this week. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 23 May 2025 The credit reporting system is currently under siege from a sophisticated fraud typology — injecting false information that undermines its integrity and hampers lenders' ability to accurately assess credit risk. Dr. David Maimon, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Noun
The treatment is a new step for Devers, who has been hampered since the Giants traded for him last month. Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 12 July 2025 Since then, she has been hampered by injuries, poor form, and an unhealthy level of attention. Sam Knight, New Yorker, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for hamper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamper
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
Noun
  • Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings reacts after a basket against the Seattle Storm during the second half at Climate Pledge Arena on July 22, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • This led to the control lines dropping into the basket, the report said.
    Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
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
Noun
  • With the new process, if a passenger was flying from LHR to Seattle, for example, with a stop first in Dallas, their bag would be checked all the way through to their final destination.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2025
  • Some of these products are tiny, inexpensive, and can even fit in your golf bag pocket.
    Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
  • Washington blames Hamas for prolonging the war and obstructing humanitarian aid.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • This midi frock features a round-neckline, short sleeves, and roomy pockets, and it’s designed with a drawstring waist for a personalized fit.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 19 July 2025
  • The slim-fit pants look tailored but have pockets that are designed to hold tees and cards without looking bulky.
    Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 18 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
Noun
  • With 10 years in the bag, Hicks walks away from the game with 952 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 13 interceptions, and 11 fumble recoveries.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
  • Wilkins added 17 tackles, two sacks and six quarterback hits during his brief tenure in Las Vegas.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hamper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamper. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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