HAMPER Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

hamper 1 of 2

verb

ˈham-pər

Definition of hamper next

as in to hinder

to create difficulty for the work or activity of fallen branches hampered the hikers as they made their way along the narrow path

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hamper

2 of 2

noun

as in basket

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Profar, one-time Texas infielder, now 32, broke into the big leagues at 19 but has been hampered by lack of playing time and uncertainty over how, when, and where he should be used. —

Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 At least eight of the 27 fire victims to date were at least 80 years old, and some had disabilities that hampered their efforts to evacuate. —

Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025

Noun

The celebrity chef's gourmet hamper is stuffed with treats directly from his deli in Padstow. —

Irenie Forshaw, The Week Uk, theweek, 2 Dec. 2024 Another night, at Ampersand Estates, outside Pemberton, my farmhouse was provisioned with a hamper fit for a king’s picnic. —

Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hamper

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamper

Verb

As homeowners turn to contractors for the slow process of rebuilding, an immigration policy that deports undocumented workers or forces them underground may hinder the recovery.

— Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
This detachment can hinder the development of relationship security, which is essential for building healthy relationships in adulthood.

— Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025