CLOG Synonyms: 176 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

clog 1 of 2

noun

ˈkläg

Definition of clog next

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult she's not one to let moral principle be a clog upon her conscience

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

clog

2 of 2

verb

as in to block

to prevent passage through by filling with something the discovery that a ton of hair was clogging the drain in the tub

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to impede

to create difficulty for the work or activity of a court system clogged by frivolous suits

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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