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clog

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb clog contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of clog are fetter, hamper, manacle, shackle, and trammel. While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering.

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

Where would fetter be a reasonable alternative to clog?

While in some cases nearly identical to clog, fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

When might hamper be a better fit than clog?

The synonyms hamper and clog are sometimes interchangeable, but hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence.

hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

How does the word shackle relate to other synonyms for clog?

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 can trammel be used instead of clog?

The words trammel and clog are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 clog
Noun
Project Cloud Genuine Suede Clogs $55 at Amazon Suitable for any season, these comfy suede clogs are a fashion-forward travel shoe option. Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2025 Platinum Care plan covers both and adds garage door openers, ceiling fans and plumbing clogs. Ana Staples, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
According to the lawsuit, the bollards on Bourbon Street frequently malfunctioned with their tracks becoming clogged by beads, drink containers, rainwater and other debris. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 Oil smells can indicate that the filter on the furnace is clogged. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for clog 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog
Noun
  • Studios, whose business model is founded on strong copyright protections, have expressed concern that AI tools could be inhibited by regulatory obstacles.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Leaders should face obstacles with a growth mindset — challenges are opportunities to learn, innovate and demonstrate grit, inspiring their teams to do the same.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Republicans successfully slipped in an amendment to the 2025 defense bill that blocks gender-affirming care for transgender children of the military, legislation that Biden signed into law, although many Democrats objected to the provision.
    Brad Dress, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Most disorienting of all might have been the painful memories conjured by the setting for the ceremony itself, inside the Capitol where, four years and two weeks ago, a violent insurrection of Trump supporters sought to block certification of Biden’s victory.
    Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Walker, in fact, explains that one of the by-products of alcohol metabolism is a class of chemicals, known as aldehydes, that are especially prone to impede REM sleep.
    Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
  • These teams all have franchise players to build around and some contracts that would impede them from fully committing to the tear-down process.
    Shayna Goldman, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Still, patients need to jump through logistical hurdles to secure a prescription or insurance coverage.
    Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 24 Jan. 2025
  • But Noe said the biggest hurdle local farmers face when trying to expand their operations is the pressure from development spreading across the historic agricultural lands in South Miami-Dade.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Mapes’ effort to obstruct the federal investigation was ultimately unsuccessful as prosecutors moved forward with charges against Madigan and several others as part of the sweeping probe.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Just 30 minutes after being injected with microplastics, blood flow could be obstructed in the mice's brains.
    Hatty Willmoth, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • During major emergencies that communication can be hampered by issues such as limited radio connectivity, wind noise or other technical problems.
    Christopher L. Keller, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Both homebuyers and current homeowners are hampered by today’s higher interest rates.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The office handed over Yoon’s case to the Seoul prosecutors’ office on Friday and asked it to indict him on charges of rebellion, abuse of power and obstruction of the National Assembly.
    Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Microplastics in the bloodstream can induce cerebral thrombosis by causing cell obstruction and lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities, Science Advances, 11(4).
    Hatty Willmoth, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • They were filled with eye-catching color combinations, abstract prints on coats, and clear historical references.
    Julian Randall, Essence, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The world was already filled with dozens upon dozens private museums and outdoor sculpture gardens founded by collectors.
    Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 30 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near clog

Cite this Entry

“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clog. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on clog

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