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as in to discourage
to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action a fundamental sense of propriety should have inhibited you from making a drunken spectacle of yourself

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inhibit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inhibit are forbid, interdict, and prohibit. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation.

conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade

When is forbid a more appropriate choice than inhibit?

The words forbid and inhibit can be used in similar contexts, but forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

When is it sensible to use interdict instead of inhibit?

While in some cases nearly identical to inhibit, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

When might prohibit be a better fit than inhibit?

The synonyms prohibit and inhibit are sometimes interchangeable, but prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

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 inhibit Yet nothing inhibits introspection quite like success. Kathryn Anne Edwards, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2025 Plum extract also inhibited cervical cancer, but its effects were not as pronounced as in breast or liver cancers. Ross Phan, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2025 This not only creates the perfect environment for beneficial probiotics to thrive, but also helps prevent spoilage by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.2 Pickles and olives can be rich sources of probiotics when they’re made through fermentation, but not all varieties undergo this process. Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Aug. 2025 This also lets more sunlight into the bathroom, which can help dry out the shower and inhibit mold growth. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inhibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibit
Verb
  • Misconceptions that impede innovation include: R&D Is Solely Responsible for Innovation, The S-Curve Paradox, and Intelligent Failure.
    Merle Symes, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • The metal also helps form the myelin that coats and insulates the communication lines and helps microglial cells clear cellular debris that can impede brain function.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Estrogen plays a critical role in regulating dopamine, which is the neurotransmitter most closely tied to focus, motivation, and executive function.
    Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Previous legislative attempts to regulate cannabis products, such as the Cannabis Candy Child Safety Act in 2023, aimed to prevent cannabis products from being sold to children.
    Amelia Wu, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • If things don’t go according to plan — like if your creative spark or romantic date night gets hit with a wild card — don’t be discouraged.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • In high-growth markets, the outdated exemption can discourage homeowners from selling, impacting market fluidity.
    Collyn Wainwright, The Tennessean, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • These delays hinder access to vital services, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Adaptive Skills Training (AST), and Independent Living Skills (ILS) training.
    Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Tannins can temporarily hinder iron absorption by binding to non-heme iron to create compounds that can't be easily absorbed.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • According to the Florida Department of Health, raw milk can contain disease-causing bacteria, including Campylobacter, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Listeria, Salmonella, and others.
    Mark Harper, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
  • However, there's a significant difference between containing and controlling a wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Of those who opt to climb, would they be dissuaded by a new coat of paint?
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2025
  • In the velvety elegance of Paris, Jacques (Guillaume des Forêts, nearly a Timothée Chalamet look-alike), a floppy-haired painter, dissuades Marthe (Isabelle Weingarten) from jumping into the Seine when her fiancé abandons her.
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 22 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
Verb
  • Legislation intended to curb lobbying, inject transparency and allow the public to elect the PSC members failed in 2010.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Tepid financial performance quietly curbs tech investment, deployment and yield.
    Noah Barsky, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inhibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inhibit. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.

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