INHIBITS Synonyms: 132 Similar and Opposite Words

inhibits

verb

present tense third-person singular of inhibit

as in impedes

to create difficulty for the work or activity of the cold inhibited her from getting much work done that morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in regulates

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) laws designed to inhibit the powers of the intelligence organizations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in discourages

to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action a fundamental sense of propriety should have inhibited you from making a drunken spectacle of yourself

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 inhibits Some seeds are covered in a very hard seed coat that inhibits germination by blocking water from getting through. — Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026 Additionally, the metal has a non reactive layer of chromium oxide that further inhibits the strong chemical bond necessary for an actual seasoning to develop. — Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026 Acute effects are due to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, which inhibits oxygen intake, the EPA said. — Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2026 This inhibits collective action because each country, offered selective relief in some cases, has reason to cut its own deal rather than hold the line with the others. — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 All the existing independent research on AI and the brain suggests that AI use inhibits our ability to learn . — Kaliris Salas-Ramirez, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026 Neem oil naturally inhibits fungal spores from spreading or penetrating plant leaves. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 Aug. 2026 This variation may occur because citric acid inhibits bubble coalescence, similar to the additives in Diet Coke. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026 Such dominance makes the league less attractive and, in turn, arguably inhibits international growth. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibits

Verb

The sheriff said vehicles parked in a way that impedes traffic will be towed at the owner's expense.

— Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
Typically, PAs are putting in 60-hour workweeks, and their duties can include everything from running errands to cleaning up messes to managing the general public when filming takes place in a location and impedes foot or car traffic.

— Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of impedes

Verb

The medications work by blocking certain chemical messengers in the part of the brain that regulates body temperature and manages sleep/wake cycles, according to the guidance.

— Shannon Firth, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026
That finding is now being read against a parallel body of research on circadian rhythm, the 24-hour internal clock that regulates eating, sleeping and other physiological processes.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of regulates

Verb

The policy discourages beginning an investigation, taking investigative steps, bringing criminal charges, or making public statements for the purpose of affecting an election or to give a candidate an advantage or disadvantage.

— Dan Mangan, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026
This disparity discourages investment in maintenance, security and documentation.

— Kevin Korte, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of discourages

Verb

But the inability a company to buy ads hampers a campaign’s visibility and removes a key tool that studios use to spread the word about a movie currently in theaters.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
This lushness is truly remarkable on an island known for its volcanic soil, which traditionally hampers plant growth.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of hampers

Verb

Farther down, the levee that restrains the rivers is a low line of trees into the horizon.

— Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 20 Sep. 2026
The constitutional exclusionary rule restrains government, not private parties, so the Fourth Amendment generally does not bar evidence wrongfully obtained by a private actor.

— Jihun Joun, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of restrains

Browse Nearby Words

inhibitors

inhibits

inhospitable

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of inhibits

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

jilt

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes