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

These best-selling suede clogs are steeply marked down right now, and with their casual yet timeless design, they’re bound to complement any fall outfit. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2026 The designer footwear was mixed with something akin to a clog, since the platform base was wooden. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2026

Verb

At the time, gasoline lines clogged traffic across the capital. — Ivan Nechepurenko, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 For more instant results, salicylic acid completes the trio by exfoliating away dead surface cells and pore-clogging buildup, helping refine the look of large pores standing between you and that aforementioned glassy glow. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clog

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog

Noun

There’s outward social and internalized pressure on the Dashwood sisters to marry, and do it quickly, but per any Austen tale, the path is blotchy and blocked by obstacles and second-guessing.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
During robot operation, LiDAR supplies information about the surrounding environment, helping the framework account for obstacles and available clearance.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Verb

Antetokounmpo also blocked a Noah Clowney dunk attempt a few minutes later, and then got the ball back for a spinning finger roll on the other end.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
As Wrigley View Rooftop sees it, there’s no limiting principle allowing one sports business to block a neighbor from selling seats with a view.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of block

Verb

Past popes have written letters of resignation in case of a severe illness or medical emergency that impedes them from carrying out their duties.

— Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Attorney General Blanche has instructed the Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies and practices that facilitate violations of federal law or impede lawful federal operations, the department said.

— Eric Henderson, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of impede

Noun

Our main hurdle has always been convincing people to pay for a cinema ticket to watch two episodes of a series.

— Annika Pham, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Most of the K-pop festivals that have been announced over the last few years never went ahead due to various logistical hurdles.

— Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Verb

Abiy's office accused the TPLF of obstructing the agreement and said that the latest fighting ended in its defeat.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
Abiy’s office accused the TPLF of obstructing the agreement and said the latest fighting ended in its defeat.

— Khaled Kazziha, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of obstruct

Verb

Capturing towns and roads would hamper Tigrayan fighters without necessarily securing the vast rural areas where the rebel forces regrouped during the previous war, Taylor said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
Otherwise, the chemicals can react against each other and hamper recyclability, or worse, release harmful byproducts into the environment.

— Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of hamper

Verb

Tear gas filled the area, and Nathaniel saw two attackers in the back of a pickup with automatic weapons.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
Richards signed a nonguaranteed one-year deal in late August to fill the 14th spot on the Heat’s standard roster.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of fill

Browse Nearby Words

clods

clog

clogged

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“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clog. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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