hamper 1 of 2

Definition of hampernext

hamper

2 of 2

noun

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

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
In a clip posted to their Instagram account, with Amy Ray sitting beside her, Saliers talked about how she has been diagnosed with cervical dystonia and an essential tremor — both of which have hampered her ability to sing in a clear and constant tone. Chris Willman, Variety, 19 Apr. 2026 Socialists like to spend money — lots of other people’s money, of course — and Mamdani has been hampered by the fiscal stewards of Albany who, thankfully for New York City, aren’t likely to allow his more egregious schemes that would only drive away more of the city’s crucial affluent class. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
Toss dirty laundry into the hamper. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Apr. 2026 One was hidden in a laundry hamper in Palma’s bedroom closet. Jason Green, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hamper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamper
Verb
  • Moving forward, lawmakers should identify aspects of recent reforms that are hindering their intended purpose of increasing housing, while continuing to advance land-use liberalization across the state.
    Eliza Terziev, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Since October of last year, the agency has lost more than 1,500 agents, and these unfilled positions have severely hindered operational capacity at a critical moment.
    La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Fatou, who arrived at the Berlin Zoo in 1959, marked her birthday on Monday, April 13, by feasting on a special menu of healthy items suitable for the aging primate, as seen in photos of Fatou with her birthday basket.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Five landed on clean utensils and a fryer basket.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The 23-year-old was also sentenced to an additional year in prison for assaulting, resisting and impeding federal officers.
    Lily Carey, Baltimore Sun, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Miguel Angel Garcia Martinez faced more than 20 years in prison because of a felony assault, resist and impede case before it was dropped last month.
    Ryan Oehrli April 16, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • These bags are made from food-grade silicone that’s free from toxins like lead, latex, phthalates, BPA, and BPS.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
  • But Ceddanne Rafaela’s throw to the second base bag just barely beat Jahmai Jones’ slide, and while the Tigers designated hitter was initially ruled safe, the play was overturned on replay.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Branch, widely projected to go in the second round of the NFL draft later this week, faces misdemeanor charges of obstructing public sidewalks, prowling and obstructing a law enforcement officer.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Branch, who declared for the NFL Draft in January, was charged with obstruction of an officer and obstructing a public sidewalk, both misdemeanors, early Sunday morning.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Large alternative asset managers, with both private credit and private equity businesses, are so far striking a measured tone, acknowledging pockets of stress while emphasizing resilience.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Its interior slit pocket fits any phone size up to an iPhone 16 Pro Max, and its gold hardware clasp and flap top keep belongings secure while on the go.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The transparency issue also became important after the board embarrassed itself by quietly boosting board members’ pay by 25% — with Foley being the only member opposed.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Watching a prodigy embarrass the world over 72 holes was riveting; equally captivating is following the same person be exposed by life, hubris and ego.
    Mac Engel April 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • After making the transition from nickel cornerback to safety last season, Smith was among the Bucs’ most productive players on defense, finishing with 100 tackles, two sacks, one interception, 13 passes defensed and two fumble recoveries.
    Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Iheanachor permitted no sacks and just 14 pressures in 484 pass-blocking snaps last season, per Pro Football Focus.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hamper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/hamper. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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