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clog

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb clog contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of clog are fetter, hamper, manacle, shackle, and trammel. While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering.

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

Where would fetter be a reasonable alternative to clog?

While in some cases nearly identical to clog, fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

When might hamper be a better fit than clog?

The synonyms hamper and clog are sometimes interchangeable, but hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence.

hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

How does the word shackle relate to other synonyms for clog?

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 can trammel be used instead of clog?

The words trammel and clog are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 clog
Noun
Thankfully, my go-to travel shoes are the next best thing: the Birkenstock Boston clogs. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 19 Jan. 2025 Many clogs are often simple enough to fix without professional assistance. Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
Auto racing circuit Formula 1 has staged races for the past two years, with the November event clogging traffic and necessitating all manner of closures and adjustments up and down the famous Strip. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2025 Even if the appliance appears to run smoothly, deep cleaning should be done at least monthly to rid the appliance of mineral buildup that can clog nozzles and water lines. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for clog 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog
Noun
  • As businesses adapted to new ways of working, obstacles were removed for employees who had previously found their options limited.
    Gene Myers, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Poor planning can jeopardize access to space, materials, and equipment, leading to obstacles that drain time and money.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The filing asserts that the administration has no authority to block programs and funding mandated by Congress without approval.
    Ellen Knickmeyer, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
  • And so, every dough-mixing day was a carefully orchestrated process that required blocking out seven hours to mix and stretch the dough every 30 minutes.
    Jesse Raub, Bon Appétit, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Along with carrying out mass deportations, his second administration has vowed to prosecute anyone who impedes their immigration enforcement operations.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
  • The practice is now impeded by ever more protective drone squadrons of P.R. people, although Prince Andrew’s ruinous television interview is a prime example—the disingenuous reporter meets the insufficiently self-aware subject, and blood is spilled.
    Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In a climate where immigrants in the United States continue to face extraordinary hurdles, Tonos believes the struggle can still yield high rewards.
    Holly Jones, Variety, 6 Feb. 2025
  • The project has faced early hurdles: Elon Musk openly split with Trump on the day of its announcement, questioning whether its backers had enough money to fund the project.
    David Jeans, Forbes, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Johnson faced charges of violating her oath of office, a felony, and a misdemeanor count of obstructing police when her trial opened last week.
    Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2025
  • Marches on streets and sidewalks do not require permits as long as traffic is not obstructed.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Getting the longest of those delays can hamper any chance of beating Tyson in the first round.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 9 Feb. 2025
  • Experts in workplace safety have warned that could inhibit them from speaking up about health threats on the job, hampering efforts to stop hazards and illnesses.
    Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • According to Bennett Gershman, a professor at Pace University's law school, free speech protections allow residents to discuss law enforcement in their neighborhoods, but language that actively encourages evasion of authorities could possibly be construed as obstruction of justice.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
  • Menendez was found guilty on charges including extortion, honest services wire fraud, obstruction of justice, acting as a foreign agent for Egypt, bribery, and conspiracy.
    Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Thankfully, many safari outfitters offer dynamic itineraries—think pairing the quintessential South African safari with a surreal stint in Namibia or a blue safari grand finale in Mozambique filled with whales, dolphins, whale sharks, and dugongs—designed to engage animal lovers of all ages.
    Kathryn Romeyn, AFAR Media, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Speaking of charging, a J1772 port is situated on the left behind the driver's seat, which will fill the 29.8 kWh battery in five hours on a standard level 2 EV charger.
    Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 11 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near clog

Cite this Entry

“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clog. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on clog

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