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 Neither encumbers this production. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026 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 The department is required to be paid fair market value for any land that is purchased, rented or encumbered, according to a September 2025 appraisal of the property. — Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 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
  • Health care workers who impede these rituals for infection-control reasons often face hostility and violence; clinics have been attacked and burned down during this outbreak, furthering viral spread.
    — Alice Park, Time, 2 July 2026
  • These vehicles were blocking and impeding fire operations, and several were non-operational and required tow truck assistance for removal.
    — Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of impede
Verb
  • Dominic Canzone and Randy Arozarena walked to load the bases with one out before Josh Naylor struck out swinging.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Whether it's stored inside an apartment, packed into an SUV for a weekend getaway, or loaded into an RV before hitting the road, its compact folding frame makes transportation and storage remarkably simple.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
Definition of load
Verb
  • He was charged with hindering apprehension, obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence in connection with this case.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • The Great American State Fair kicked off last week, though the 16-day event has been hindered by weather shutdowns, technical difficulties and low attendance.
    — Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of hinder
Verb
  • Unlike larger networks burdened by high costs, Mercury is built to grow sustainably, providing the right support without compromising independence.
    — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Trump had argued that a president shouldn’t be burdened with defending himself against decades-old charges.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 29 June 2026
Definition of burden
Verb
  • The decision severely hampered local planning for America’s 250th anniversary, disrupting history projects, museums and educational programs nationwide.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Chwalińska took a medical timeout for the injury at the end of the game, and she was clearly hampered by it for the rest of the match.
    — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of hamper
Verb
  • Rather than designing a luxury escape filled with domestic gadgets, the architects have shaped a home that encourages slowing down and reconnecting with nature.
    — Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
  • Through the risk of lightning, sticky humidity and a winding line filled with thousands of chanting fans, Argentine fans flooded Bayfront Park with a sea of blue jerseys.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
Definition of fill
Verb
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 2026
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
Definition of obstruct
Verb
  • The Chicago White Sox, a team many left for dead at the start of the year, embarrassed the Kansas City Royals Friday night, 22-1.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
  • But combined with Disney‘s embarrassing The Mandalorian and Grogu influencer stunt that backfired, a movie’s first reactions on social media are increasingly being met with equal amounts of fan skepticism.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of encumber for Spanish Speakers

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