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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
And these slip-on clogs are a best-seller that will make going through the airport security a breeze by eliminating the need to tie and retie your shoes. Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 2025 Keep scrolling to shop more clogs, including this trending pair, plus more slip-on styles from Clarks and Dansko. Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
While many of these products end up in a landfill, others clog sewers or contribute to the staggering amount of microplastics in our oceans. Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 Products labeled as non-comedogenic are less likely to clog the skin's pores. Laura Schober, Health, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for clog
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog
Noun
  • Listen to this article The path back to the pinnacle was littered with obstacles.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 21 June 2025
  • But there’s a major obstacle: municipalities, not the national government, are responsible for managing stray animals.
    Lisa Klaassen, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • In April, the Trump administration implemented new regulations that blocked sales of Nvidia’s H20 AI chip, which had been designed to comply with earlier restrictions.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • Cuomo's political comeback may be blocked by young progressive Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo stands at the precipice of a remarkable political comeback — but a second-term Assembly member may be in his way.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • This month she was indicted on three counts of assaulting, resisting, impeding and interfering with federal officials.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 June 2025
  • The indictment, announced earlier this month, accuses McIver of three counts: two felonies for assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers—each carrying up to eight years in prison—and a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of one year.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Those are hurdles for many of the most vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries, many of whom are young adults.
    Alice Park, Time, 18 June 2025
  • Putting vehicles on the road without standard controls like steering wheels and pedals presents its own set of hurdles.
    Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Kastner, meanwhile, was charged with battery and obstructing an officer without violence.
    Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025
  • 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.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 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 June 2025
  • As exciting as the high-speed maze gameplay gets, though, Pac-Man Superfast is hampered by a few odd design decisions.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The 71-year-old was convicted in July 2024 of 16 counts, including extortion, conspiracy, obstruction of justice and acting as a foreign agent.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 June 2025
  • According to records from the DeKalb County jail, where the reporter remains detained, he was charged with improperly entering a pedestrian roadway, obstruction of law enforcement officers and unlawful assembly.
    Marlon Sorto, CNN Money, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • The farm—which is, in fact, an enormous warehouse—is filled with lettuce seedlings growing under banks of lights in a mist of chemicals.
    Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
  • Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly recently suggested the Yankees could swing a trade for Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez to fill the massive hole at third base in the Bronx.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clog. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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