encumber

verb

in-ˈkəm-bər How to pronounce encumber (audio)
Definition of encumbernext
1
as in to impede
to create difficulty for the work or activity of the claim that all of these regulations encumber doctors, taking time away from the actual practice of medicine

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to load
to place a weight or burden on don't encumber your pack animal so much that it can hardly move

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 encumber The Mavericks now begin a comprehensive search for their next head coach, hoping their next candidate is a promising figure with little regard for the spree of bad luck that has encumbered this organization. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2026 Many analysts noting the stock’s run-up due to news in March of price increases and a general sense of relief that the company wouldn’t be encumbered by a massive acquisition of traditional assets. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2026 Neither encumbers this production. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026 His brand of athleticism is predicated on a bouncy explosiveness that shouldn’t be encumbered with unnecessary bulking. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for encumber
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encumber
  1. impede
  2. load
  3. hinder
  4. burden
  5. hamper
  6. fill
  7. obstruct
  8. embarrass
Verb
  • Schwank also took issue with ICE’s characterization that Moreida was standing in the middle of an active road and impeding law enforcement’s actions.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Federal officials argue that California’s refusal to review the federal list or set aside the associated ballots impedes enforcement.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of impede
Verb
  • The fuel was first loaded commercially in an American reactor in 2025, and this new factory is designed to transition the technology from single-plant deployment into wide commercial use.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
  • In Peabody, officials are expanding a program that uses cameras mounted on school buses to identify drivers who fail to stop when buses are loading or unloading students.
    — Logan Hall, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of load
Verb
  • This method prevents nitrogen from diluting the exhaust gas, which hinders combustion and keeps the CO₂ concentration relatively low.
    — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
  • New demarcations of Indigenous lands are expected to be frozen, under the argument that reserving territory hinders mining, agricultural expansion, and growth.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of hinder
Verb
  • But many of the vehicles still lack the cash flow to pay interest and remain burdened with unprofitable public projects, S&P said.
    — Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Supporters say restricting the program to new homes could spur construction; critics warn down payment debt could burden buyers.
    — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of burden
Verb
  • Ukrainian officials said the restrictions hampered ⁠the military’s ability to intercept Russian ​attack ⁠drones and forced the cancellation of some operations.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The officials said the restrictions were disrupting high-speed military drones, hampering Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian attacks and conduct operations along the front line.
    — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of hamper
Verb
  • Building 1,600 stores at once Once the leases are signed, Spirit has to fill them.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Its magical forest is filled with talking animals, tree-worshipping mystics, scheming functionaries, and the Dowager Governess (Carey Mulligan), an enchantress who commands an army of uniformed coyotes.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of fill
Verb
  • The mollusks can form dense colonies that clog pipes, obstruct water flow and foul boat motors.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • During the investigation, it was alleged that Stewart, who is a resident, returned to the property and was later taken into custody for obstructing a peace officer.
    — Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of obstruct
Verb
  • Oddly, some on social media are acting like Nevada’s entire goal was to embarrass others during his weekend game.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The actor may not always be playing Bond, but will forever be a Bond, and therefore must be counted upon to not embarrass the franchise.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of embarrass

Browse Nearby Words

enculturating
encumber
encumbered
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Cite this Entry

“Encumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encumber. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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