CLOG Synonyms: 176 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

clog 1 of 2

noun

ˈkläg

Definition of clog

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult she's not one to let moral principle be a clog upon her conscience

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

clog

2 of 2

verb

as in to block

to prevent passage through by filling with something the discovery that a ton of hair was clogging the drain in the tub

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to impede

to create difficulty for the work or activity of a court system clogged by frivolous suits

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

The clog could be out of reach or too difficult to extract, especially if something went down the drain that shouldn’t have (young kids and small toys are a notorious culprit). — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026 Cleaning your washing machine filter helps prevent odors and clogs. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 17 Aug. 2026

Verb

The Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer is made with a lighter consistency that hydrates the face without clogging pores. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026 Kaolin and bentonite team up with colloidal clay to soak up excess sebum and sweep away pore-clogging buildup, while corn mint powder lends a little extra oil-absorbing power. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clog

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog

Noun

Both benefit from improved navigation, apparently able to avoid cables and other obstacles as small as 2mm in size, as well as transparent objects like mirrors or glass.

— Dominic Preston, The Verge, 3 Sep. 2026
The 340-pound ball is just soft enough to bounce lightly over bumpy obstacles, but its slight overpressure keeps it relatively firm.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Verb

The case argues South Africa’s 1961 Indemnity Act unlawfully blocked hundreds of claims over the massacre, and asks courts to reopen the door to justice for victims’ descendants.

— Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Many urban properties like The Benjamin have invested in multi-pane windows, and blackout curtains, which can block both light and sound.

— Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of block

Verb

Cornstarch can create issues like clogging sprayers, impeding root growth, or interfering with leaf function.

— Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026
But Blanche played down concerns that the erosion of judicial trust could impede his efforts to advance his agenda.

— Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of impede

Noun

But Oxley, writing in a commentary, cautioned that there are logistical hurdles and said the value of Venezuela’s reserves may have been exaggerated under former President Hugo Chavez.

— Collin Binkley, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Secondly, insurance and safety inspections remain critical hurdles.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Verb

Unlike existing luxury setups, the doors open in unison to reveal a completely open cabin space without a central B-pillar obstructing entry.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
The man is being charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle, obstructing a peace officer and assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, according to Windsor Police.

— Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstruct

Verb

As families wait for news about their relatives, damaged roads, power outages and fears of further flooding have hampered rescue efforts.

— Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
Analysts point out that on one hand, droughts can hamper hydroelectric generation, while high temperatures raise cooling demand and strain power grids.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of hamper

Noun

Investigators accused him of obstruction of justice, unlawful contracting and, among other things, claiming $127,630 in expenses linked to fictitious missions and plane tickets for nearly a dozen trips.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
The prosecutor, Matthew Evans, was fired on Thursday and is now under investigation for alleged obstruction of a grand jury probe, the person said.

— Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of obstruction

Verb

Similar to the Army, SAE was filled with young men from all walks of life; every economic background, faith, and ethnicity were represented.

— Todd Buchanan, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Their vehicles are packed with animal triage kits filled with supplies to treat injuries and wounds.

— Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of fill

Browse Nearby Words

clods

clog

clogged

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Style

“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clog. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of clog

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verb

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