inhibitor

noun

in·​hib·​i·​tor in-ˈhi-bə-tər How to pronounce inhibitor (audio)
Synonyms of inhibitornext
: one that inhibits: such as
a
: an agent that slows or interferes with a chemical action
b
: a substance that reduces or suppresses the activity of another substance (such as an enzyme)

Examples of inhibitor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Earlier this year, Alatise’s group launched a trial to treat colorectal cancer patients with tislelizumab, a type of drug known as an immune checkpoint inhibitor, which helps the body’s own immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. — Caleb Hellerman, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026 The second scenario is for diabetics taking SGLT2 inhibitors — a class of oral medications that help lower blood sugar by helping diabetics excrete excess glucose in urine. — Victoria Song, The Verge, 2 Sep. 2026 The tablet combines bictegravir, the backbone of Gilead’s blockbuster HIV pill Biktarvy, with lenacapavir, a first-in-class capsid inhibitor that has become a centerpiece of the company’s long-term strategy for HIV treatment and prevention. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 But researchers have continued to investigate whether PDE5 inhibitors could have other health benefits. — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inhibitor

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inhibitor was circa 1611

Phrases Containing inhibitor

Rhymes for inhibitor

See All Rhymes for inhibitor

Browse Nearby Words

inhibitive
inhibitor
in high dudgeon
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Cite this Entry

“Inhibitor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhibitor. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

inhibitor

noun
in·​hib·​i·​tor in-ˈhib-ət-ər How to pronounce inhibitor (audio)
: one that inhibits: as
a
: an agent that slows or interferes with a chemical reaction
b
: a substance that reduces the activity of another substance (as an enzyme)
c
: a gene that checks the normal effect of another nonallelic gene when both are present

More from Merriam-Webster on inhibitor

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for inhibitor

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inhibitor

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