hamper 1 of 2

hamper

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb hamper contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hamper are clog, fetter, manacle, shackle, and trammel. While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence.

hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

When is it sensible to use clog instead of hamper?

The meanings of clog and hamper largely overlap; however, clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering.

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

In what contexts can fetter take the place of hamper?

The synonyms fetter and hamper are sometimes interchangeable, but fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

How is shackle related to other words for hamper?

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 could trammel be used to replace hamper?

While in some cases nearly identical to hamper, 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 hamper
Verb
The injury has not hampered him in any noticeable way in the field or on the bases. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025 The layoffs and a buyout program are expected to shrink NOAA's headcount by roughly 20% and could hamper some of its operations, scientists and researchers have said. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
Others border on amusing, like Dennis Quaid, mid-evacuation, trying to cram a hamper of his teenage daughter’s clothes into his Mercedes. Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Jan. 2025 This impedes user engagement with the content and hampers creators’ ability to establish credibility and maintain a consistent audience. Rodger Desai, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hamper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamper
Verb
  • Arbitrary rules shouldn’t hinder deserved recognition.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • However, choosing to avoid office politics can seriously hinder your career growth.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The drive to the left side of the floor and the subsequent pro hop gave Queen the best opportunity to put the ball in the basket.
    Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Suddenly, Brea’s view of the basket at Fiserv Forum was wide open, and one of the best 3-point shooters in the country made the swished 3 that followed look easy.
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Maintaining a vigorous, healthy lawn is a good way to impede weed establishment and problematic perennials like dandelions.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Williams’ Carlos Sainz initially qualified 12th but was handed a three-place grid penalty for impeding Hamilton, causing a shakeup in the order of those who were knocked out in Q2.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • With no Gentile doctor yet in place, Bernstein packs his bags and instruments and takes Room 22 at the Hotel Tüffer.
    James Wood, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Luggage: Passengers can leave bags at a drop-off point in the parking garage.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The status of the third remained unknown, but snow obstructed a full view of the nest.
    Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Later that day, Ellie gets ready for the barn dance by using her pocket knife — sanitized with alcohol first, thankfully — to slice up the bite on her stomach.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Shough is a prototypical pocket passer with a big frame (6 foot 5, 219 pounds) who spent seven years at three schools due to a series of injuries at Texas Tech, his second stop.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Mariah Carey just pulled a classic mom move by embarrassing her teenage son in front of his friends.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The leaking was intended to embarrass Bork, whose nomination was ultimately rejected by the U.S. Senate albeit for reasons unrelated to his rental list.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Bain had 44 tackles (13 for loss) and 7.5 sacks as a freshman in 2023, then produced 23 tackles (six for loss) and 3.5 sacks in nine games last season.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
  • His strip sack and 83-yard return for a touchdown clinched the semifinal victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hamper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamper. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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