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

Relevance

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

Creating lightweight device Neuroscientists studying behavioral brain activity have long been hampered by tethered equipment that kept laboratory animals locked in place. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026 The resulting restrictions can, in turn, constrain power generation and hamper economic growth. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 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

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

Noun

Then it was hoisted up repeatedly to the helicopter where the crew got each person into the aircraft before lowering the basket again.

— Jaimie Ding, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
The Trail Blazers got off to a hot start in the third quarter with, starting on a 15-0 run, capped off by a 3-point basket by Camara for a 74-64 lead.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of basket

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

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

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

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

The Badgers have just eight sacks as a defense this season, but boast one of the best pass rushers in the Big Ten, senior Sebastian Cheeks.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
The pass rush has been functional, registering 22 sacks, good for top eight in the country.

— Noah White, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of sack

Browse Nearby Words

hammy

hamper

hampered

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of hamper

verb

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

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

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes