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

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

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Ukrainian forces said Wednesday its battlefield efforts had been hampered overnight after losing some access to SpaceX’s military-grade satellite Internet service, which has become a lifeline as Kyiv weathers Moscow's attacks. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Kyiv sees this as an attempt to pressure it into concessions by hampering its aerial defense and military operations. — David Hickey, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2026

Noun

Does his significant other and babymama Isabel Haugseng Johansen constantly have to remind him to toss the underwear and socks in the laundry hamper as opposed to on the floor? — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Where other humble domestic objects—the dish brush, the soap dispenser, the hamper—have evolved into more stylish iterations with time, the toilet has remained untouched, resolutely white and clinical. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hamper

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamper

Verb

And warming temperatures are hindering their ability to perform essential functions.

— Devika Rao, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
Royce Moser, 18, is facing charges including murder, while his mother, 56-year-old Rachel Moser, is facing charges including hindering apprehension of a fugitive, according to court records.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of hinder

Noun

The basket sealed the largest comeback in NBA Finals history.

— René Guzman, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026
Mitchell took a shot to the face on a drive to the basket that led to a cut above his right eye just 16 seconds into the third quarter of Wednesday’s 144-128 exhibition win against the Brooklyn Nets at Kaseya Center.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of basket

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

Police said that witnesses spotted two people entering a residence and leaving with multiple bags and then fled in a vehicle.

— Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
They’re all wrapped up in a decorative box with two bags of each flavor per day, and the set also comes in a vegan option with flavors like butterscotch, cherry pie, chocolate orange, and even gingerbread.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of bag

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

Noun

The instigating weather system bringing the risk to the Southwest is an upper-level low — or a high altitude pocket of cold air, low pressure and spin.

— Jamie Ross, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026
Make sure to pick the promotion that keeps the most cash in your pocket!

— Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of pocket

Verb

Chicago embarrassed Philadelphia, while the Eagles squandered a late lead against the Rams before suffering an improbable loss to the Jaguars in London.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
The Longhorns’ offense scored 17 points against a Florida defense that Missouri and South Carolina embarrassed.

— Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of embarrass

Noun

Nickelback Ja'Quan McMillian recorded a sack on the first drive of the game and his interception in overtime set up Wil Lutz's game-winning field goal.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
The Bears also rank second in the conference in sacks produced, while TCU ranks 15th in sacks allowed and 16th in rushing.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of sack

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“Hamper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamper. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hamper

verb

noun

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