stymie

verb

ˈstī-mē How to pronounce stymie (audio)
Definition of stymienext
as in to impede
to create difficulty for the work or activity of the raging blizzard stymied the rescuers' attempts to find the stranded mountain climbers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 stymie That capped a five-man bullpen relay that stymied a Padres offense that had seemed oddly comfortable against Misiorowski. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 In the Atlantic, that means there is more wind shear and air that pushes downward, both of which stymie cyclone development. — Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 30 Sep. 2026 The sweeping Senate proposal unveiled Wednesday afternoon by leaders of key energy and environmental committees would rewrite project review rules and speed up legal challenges that consistently stymie large energy and transportation projects. — Evan Halper, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026 But federal involvement last winter stymied plans to release more wolves to boost the population. — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stymie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stymie
  1. impede
  2. hinder
  3. hamper
  4. embarrass
  5. obstruct
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
  • 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
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

Browse Nearby Words

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stymie
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Cite this Entry

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

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