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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
Long gone are the days of clogs being overlooked, as even high fashion/luxury brands such as Gucci and Balenciaga have introduced clogs in their collections in recent years. David Trainer, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 While the original film saw Runway employees quickly discarding their commuter clogs for stilettos, Andy traded in her loafers for her famous thigh-high Chanel boots. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 21 July 2025
Verb
Plastic waste has grown into a global environmental and public health crisis with plastics clogging waterways, killing marine wildlife and causing growing concern about the effects of human exposure to microplastics and toxic components of some plastics. Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025 The suction port doesn’t require a brush roll, which eliminates the problem of hair getting clogged inside. Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for clog
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog
Noun
  • Legal challenges pose a more likely obstacle to Trump's takeover, as was the case last week.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Over the past few years, the unchecked expansion of solar farms, heavily subsidized by the federal government and fueled by foreign adversaries like China, has proved a serious obstacle for new farmers.
    Brooke L. Rollins, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Supreme Court has blocked him on certain removals.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025
  • The Department of Defense has been blocking Ukraine from using long-range missiles to strike deep into Russian territory, according to a new report.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Ward was arrested in Texas on June 12 and charged with assault on a family member by impeding breathing or circulation, which is a third-degree felony.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Baltimore County is on a list of states, cities, and counties identified by the Justice Department as having policies, laws, or regulations that impede enforcement of federal immigration laws.
    Cale Ahearn, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Soon after, another hurdle appeared: a recurring inguinal hernia that led to frequent hospital visits, including spending Christmas Day in the emergency room.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Funneling the prescriptions through one particular pharmacy introduces a variety of logistical hurdles and delays.
    Samuel Ganz, Sun Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater 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.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Cantrell, 53, is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to obstruct justice, making false statements and false declarations before a grand jury.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 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, 21 Aug. 2025
  • The festival was also hampered by a 15,000 person drop in attendance many organizers attributed to severe weather on one of the biggest festival days.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Similar obstructions abound on the storefront windows near her house.
    Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2025
  • She was convicted of two counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice during an investigation into the alleged death of her celebrity pet chimpanzee, Tonka.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • French Crust has been filled with laughter, friendships, and countless memories.
    FOX19 NOW, The Enquirer, 23 Aug. 2025
  • The future of Treasure Valley traffic Old farm roads are now filled with cars carrying the residents of new subdivisions.
    Marcus Dorsey, Idaho Statesman, 23 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clog. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on clog

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