SHORT-CIRCUIT Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

short-circuit

verb

ˈshȯrt-ˈsər-kət

Definition of short-circuit

as in to impede

to create difficulty for the work or activity of for decades the maverick filmmaker was short-circuited by a chronic lack of funds

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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 short-circuit The letter’s authors fear that AI companies could short-circuit that process. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2026 The would-be client learned that artificially increasing his Klotho levels could potentially short-circuit the problem and wanted Sinkule’s help finding a company that could produce it for him. — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026 Almost two decades ago in Germany, a particularly wily octopus named Otto short-circuited his aquarium’s electrical system by shooting jets of water at an overhead light that perhaps caused an objectionable glare. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 29 July 2026 Last week, the states’ attorney James Weingarten argued that Paramount was effectively seeking to short-circuit the trial process by holding an evidentiary hearing without giving the states adequate time to prepare. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for short-circuit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for short-circuit

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

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

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

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

shortchanging

short-circuit

short-circuited

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Style

“Short-circuit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/short-circuit. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of short-circuit

verb

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