hamper 1 of 2

verb

ˈham-pər How to pronounce hamper (audio)
Definition of hampernext
as in to hinder
to create difficulty for the work or activity of fallen branches hampered the hikers as they made their way along the narrow path

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hamper

2 of 2

noun

as in basket

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility. —Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2025 This will likely hamper the AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT's performance, particularly at higher resolutions. —Michael Justin Allen Sexton, PC Magazine, 21 May 2025
Noun
The family was then invited to the store to receive a hamper of baby goodies. —Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025 All hail a double laundry hamper with enough room for multiple loads. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hamper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamper
  1. hinder
  2. basket
  3. impede
  4. bag
  5. obstruct
  6. pocket
  7. embarrass
  8. sack
Verb
  • However, incomplete knowledge of prolonged symptoms experienced after a young child’s own SARS-CoV-2 infection hinders prevention and treatment of LC in infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
    — Anuradha Varanasi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • He has been charged with a collision involving damage to a vehicle and hindering apprehension, both misdemeanors.
    — Peter D'Abrosca , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
Definition of hinder
Noun
  • Details like washi paper sliding screens, tatami mats, and woven baskets for carrying your toiletries to the onsen create a strong sense of place.
    — Yukari Sakamoto, AFAR Media, 27 May 2025
  • Their skilled artistry can be seen in colorful totem poles and intricately woven baskets found throughout the alluring coastal towns.
    — Sharael Kolberg, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025
Definition of basket
Verb
  • The affair did not impede Smotrich’s ascent as a settler activist and politician.
    — Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025
  • Any action that impedes these dynamics should be flatly rejected because unnecessarily regulating a competitive marketplace will only harm consumers.
    — Michael Santorelli, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of impede
Noun
  • Also, finish 10 activities to earn a free book with museum coupons (for kids and teens only) or a bag for adult participants.
    — Sarah Z. Sleeper, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
  • Last year, PepsiCo began adding more chips to bags following complaints about shrinkflation.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of bag
Verb
  • Jones pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor charge of obstructing police, per The New York Times.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • Last December, after a trial without a jury, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson convicted Lamond of one count of obstructing justice and three counts of making false statements.
    — Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
Definition of obstruct
Noun
  • One of the best ways to put some bucks back into your pocket is to shop at Woot, which is basically a special deals hub run by Amazon.
    — Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 3 June 2025
  • Prior to the tour’s launch, Smallwood took to Iron Maiden’s website to request that fans put their phones back into their pockets and witness the show as it’s supposed to be seen.
    — Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 2 June 2025
Definition of pocket
Verb
  • McGregor dismantled Aldo during the pre-fight lead-up and subsequently embarrassed him in 13 seconds at UFC 194 in 2015.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • But Mei is convinced her overbearing mother only exists to embarrass while never understanding her struggles.
    — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 8 May 2025
Definition of embarrass
Noun
  • Along with that, though, Johnson cited a couple of plays that likely would have ended as sacks in a non-practice setting and also volunteered that, throughout OTAs, the Bears first-unit defense had frequently been getting the better of the offense in end-of-half and end-of-game situational work.
    — Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
  • Stuffing fur into an old burlap sack or nylon stocking can be used to create a barrier on the edge of your garden.
    — Cody Godwin, USA Today, 5 June 2025
Definition of sack

Browse Nearby Words

hammy
hamper
hampered
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Cite this Entry

“Hamper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamper. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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