inhibit

verb

in-ˈhi-bət How to pronounce inhibit (audio)
Definition of inhibitnext
1
as in to impede
to create difficulty for the work or activity of the cold inhibited her from getting much work done that morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to regulate
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
3
as in to discourage
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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inhibit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inhibit are forbid, interdict, and prohibit. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation.

conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade

When is forbid a more appropriate choice than inhibit?

The words forbid and inhibit can be used in similar contexts, but forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

When is it sensible to use interdict instead of inhibit?

While in some cases nearly identical to inhibit, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

When might prohibit be a better fit than inhibit?

The synonyms prohibit and inhibit are sometimes interchangeable, but prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

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 inhibit Keeping these structures can inhibit the ability of their fins to regenerate. — Junsu Kang, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026 Both honey and garlic fall into the category of foods in which the bacteria can live, but under normal circumstances, the growth of spores would be inhibited, says Joy Gail Waite-Cusic, a professor of food safety at Oregon State University. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 28 Sep. 2026 Murphy has long opposed any kind of Congressional intervention that would inhibit college athletes’ rights. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for inhibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibit
  1. impede
  2. regulate
  3. discourage
  4. hinder
  5. contain
  6. dissuade
  7. hamper
  8. curb
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
  • An architect’s struggle with Nevada’s state licensing board raises a broader question about how to regulate industry.
    — Wendy R. Anderson, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The group says it’s shaped several must-haves by taking lessons from Washington’s failure to regulate social media.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of regulate
Verb
  • Clark County officials said the campaign is not intended to discourage voluntary tips, however.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • But flying less can raise operating costs per seat, while pushing prices higher risks discouraging travelers who have already absorbed steep increases.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of discourage
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
  • Shauf quit drinking in 2020, and while The Party contains its fair share of drunken regret, alcohol is a more central subject on the afterparty’s other two outtakes.
    — Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The medical response has focused largely on treating and containing the disease, with little to no attention to the mental health of those affected.
    — Constant Same Bagalwa, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of contain
Verb
  • But there’s little evidence that long runtimes are dissuading moviegoers.
    — Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Higher interest rates are a pain, but not enough to dissuade them from building.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of dissuade
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
  • General admission floor tickets could not be transferred and could be resold only at face value, a rule meant to curb scalping.
    — James LaForge, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Biotech companies like Eli Lilly and Altimmune are testing drugs for their effect at curbing alcohol cravings.
    — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of curb

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Cite this Entry

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

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