Synonyms of hamper

hamper 1 of 2

verb

ˈham-pər 

as in to hinder

to create difficulty for the work or activity of

fallen branches hampered the hikers as they made their way along the narrow path

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hinder
• impede
• obstruct
• embarrass
• handicap
• inhibit
• delay
• restrain
• stymie
• disrupt
• interfere (with)
• constrain
• block
• cramp
• hobble
• thwart
• frustrate
• encumber
• clog
• handcuff
• shackle
• tie up
• hold back
• stifle
• fetter
• short-circuit
• tie
• trammel
• hog-tie
• bind
• curb
• give a hard time
• manacle
• cramp one's style
• brake
• check
• retard
• rein
• hold up
• retain
• choke
• sabotage
• strangle
• confine
• baffle
• balk
• derail
• arrest
• bog (down)
• tether
• chain
• blockade
• barricade
• leash
• smother
• suffocate
• foil
• roadblock
• mire
• muzzle
• repress
• stump
• suppress
• halter
• hedge (in)
• hem (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• help
• facilitate
• aid
• assist
• open
• clear
• liberate
• free
• make way
• release
• promote
• encourage
• loosen
• unclog
• smooth
• unplug
• unstop
• further
• untie

hamper

2 of 2

noun

as in basket

Synonyms & Similar Words

• basket
• bag
• pocket
• sack
• crate
• trunk
• bin
• box
• locker
• carton
• cooler
• caddy
• casket
• warmer
• case
• bowl
• kit
• basin
• bottle
• kettle
• cartridge
• handbasket
• tub
• pack
• bucket
• pail
• pitcher
• jug
• keg
• can
• jar
• pot
• carrier
• container
• vat
• holder
• receptacle
• vessel

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

Examples of hamper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The 38-year-old last played at the Paris Olympics but continuing injury struggles, which have hampered him throughout his career, have severely limited his time on the court over the past two seasons. —Matias Grez, CNN, 10 Oct. 2024

The incident, which prompted a great deal of scrutiny from federal regulators, hampered the company’s efforts to come back from the last 737 Max crisis when two Max 8 planes crashed months apart in 2018 and 2019. —Melvin Backman, Quartz, 9 Oct. 2024

Noun

Other Items to Maximize and/or Decorate the Space Beyond hampers, there are a few other organizational items that can spruce up the laundry room. —Blake Bakkila, Sunset Magazine, 12 Sep. 2024

This not only hampers productivity but also diminishes employee morale. —Allbusiness, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024