clog 1 of 2

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
Welcome to the Bradenton area, home of the big clog. Jason Dill, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025 This generates hydrogen bubbles that help to loosen the clog and carry the particles down the drain. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
When this occurs, many homeowners turn to chemical cleaners, like Drano, to quickly break down the organic materials clogging the drain. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2025 Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. Bay Area Weather Report, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clog
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog
Noun
  • Take Calculated Risks; Start Lean Entrepreneurs should welcome uncertainty as a catalyst, not an obstacle.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • In Region 4 in Spokane, the biggest obstacle facing the No. 2 seed Huskies is No. 1 seed USC — which defeated UConn in Hartford in December.
    Scott Phillips, The Athletic, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Given iMessage blocks such links, the texts include instructions to either reply or copy the link into Safari to make payment.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Judges already have issued more than 40 orders to temporarily block Trump's actions.
    Susan Page, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Records showed that Worthy had been arrested Friday by deputies and held in the county jail on a charge of assault on a family or household member in which their breath was impeded, or choking in common terms.
    Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Kansas City Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy was arrested Friday and booked into a central Texas jail on suspicion of assault of a family member by impeding breathing/circulation, according to Williamson County, Texas jail records.
    Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The board’s vote fixed the issue and removed a hurdle to Buc-ee’s closing on the deal for the land.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The case will face significant hurdles, particularly because Gastineau and Favre are public figures whose interaction was recorded in front of a group of people.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • 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, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The status of the third remained unknown, but snow obstructed a full view of the nest.
    Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Both Iran and North Korea could then use Russian nuclear and missile technology to develop advanced weapons that would hamper the U.S. military’s response options in East Asia and the Middle East—and even threaten the American homeland.
    Christopher S. Chivvis, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Over recent weeks, CISA employees, all speaking on the condition of anonymity, had told Forbes morale was low and concerns were high that important work was being hampered by the cuts.
    Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Man threatened, attacked latter carrier over several months The Justice Department became aware of Franklin's actions toward the carrier after the United States Postal Inspection Service received a complaint about Franklin possibly committing threats and obstruction against the employee.
    Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Since the start of 2025, 26 drivers have been injured in traffic incidents in Missouri caused by foreign objects or obstructions in the road, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol data.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Their worlds feel just as grand in scope as famously massive games like The Elder Scrolls — presenting lush alien lands filled with tons of diverse creatures and wildlife, and hundreds of individual NPCs that often have unique stories to tell.
    Hayes Madsen, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Choco-Shenanigans Doughnut: An unglazed shell doughnut filled with white Kreme, dipped in chocolate icing and topped with green icing drizzles and gold coin glitter sprinkles.
    Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clog. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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