SHORT-CIRCUIT Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

short-circuit

verb

ˈshȯrt-ˈsər-kət

Definition of short-circuit

as in to impede

to create difficulty for the work or activity of for decades the maverick filmmaker was short-circuited by a chronic lack of funds

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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 short-circuit If someone tried doing this complex, multistep performance of masculinity with me, especially without time to rehearse, both my brain and body would short-circuit before permanently shutting down. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026 The would-be client learned that artificially increasing his Klotho levels could potentially short-circuit the problem and wanted Sinkule’s help finding a company that could produce it for him. — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026 Almost two decades ago in Germany, a particularly wily octopus named Otto short-circuited his aquarium’s electrical system by shooting jets of water at an overhead light that perhaps caused an objectionable glare. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 29 July 2026 Last week, the states’ attorney James Weingarten argued that Paramount was effectively seeking to short-circuit the trial process by holding an evidentiary hearing without giving the states adequate time to prepare. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for short-circuit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for short-circuit

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

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

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

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

Reese said the exercise left her upset with Smesko and worried about embarrassing herself in front of the team.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Over two games in Tampa, the Rays had embarrassed the Yankees – nearly no hitting them in Game 1 and putting the ball in play and watching the errors ensue in Game 2.

— Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of embarrass

Browse Nearby Words

shortchanging

short-circuit

short-circuited

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Style

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

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Synonyms of short-circuit

verb

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