INHIBITION Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

inhibition

noun

ˌin-hə-ˈbi-shən

Definition of inhibition

as in restraint

the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others an innate inhibition made it difficult for him to tell his girlfriend what he was really feeling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult without the inhibition of their jackets, the boys were able to wrestle more vigorously

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 inhibition Amy Lawrence pointed out that, while Arsenal possess that type of player, there is a level of inhibition. — Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 May 2026 Beyondthe security gates and ID checkpoints, inhibitions loosen and time flows differently. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 6 May 2026 Alcohol relieves social inhibition. — Jonathan Avery, STAT, 11 May 2026 Put inhibitions aside to experience the latest episode of Doc Talk, hosted by John Ridley (12 Years a Slave, Shirley), and Matt Carey, Deadline’s senior documentary editor. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inhibition

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibition

Noun

Under an existing state appropriations restraint, also known as the Gann Limit, lawmakers cannot spend more than an amount determined by a formula that takes annual tax proceeds, changes to the population and cost of living into consideration.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
For 70 minutes, Paraguay had played with corseted restraint, frustrating France with organisation, concentration and no little gamesmanship.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

But even Johnson is not immune to the bruising consequences of dealing with a president who critics say treats Congress as an obstacle, instead of an equal — frequently flexing his power through executive orders.

— Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Crews can drive directly into rivers or lakes without installing additional equipment, allowing the vehicle to continue moving even when water obstacles stand in the way.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026

Definition of obstacle

Noun

Last fall, Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island became the first in the country to launch an in person, three-year bachelor’s degree in specific disciplines.

— Editorial, Boston Herald, 6 July 2026
In Aries, the taskmaster planet brings maturity and discipline to a Fire sign associated with independence, impulse and passion.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Definition of discipline

Noun

To directly address these technical, safety, and regulatory hurdles, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the international energy technology firm Eni have established a new commercial engineering services company named RH3OVA.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
There are still some hurdles to get Trout to the game this year.

— Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 5 July 2026

Definition of hurdle

Noun

His approach has drawn criticism from some Sikh groups, who accuse Ottawa of failing to hold India accountable or safeguard Sikh Canadians from foreign interference and transnational repression.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Government repression increasingly targeted Catholic clergy in communities in Quiché, and Gerardi began to openly protest the violent acts.

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026

Definition of repression

Noun

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
Amber Moree, 21, was arrested on Tuesday and has been charged with accessory after the fact of murder, obstruction of justice and misprision, according to the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office.

— Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 2 July 2026

Definition of obstruction

Noun

In fact a 2025 published in Open Nursing linked these expectations to elevated stress, emotional suppression, delayed healthcare utilization, burnout, and adverse physical health outcomes.

— Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
The post also states that fire suppression resources will be stationed on-site.

— Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of suppression

Noun

Goalkeeper Matt Freese’s costly blunder in the 57th minute was an embarrassment that gifted the Belgians a third goal to all but seal the elimination loss.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
Either way, the development is a public embarrassment for Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, whose antagonistic, foot-dragging attitude in negotiations with his young core finally cost him dearly.

— Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of embarrassment

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inhibiting

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inhibitions

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“Inhibition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inhibition. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of inhibition

noun

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