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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
What’s more, clogs are one of fall’s top shoe trends this year. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025 Universal Thread Betsy Clog Mule Flats A clog mule has become wardrobe essential for fall, and Target’s version is currently in stock in a light brown leopard print and a neutral taupe shade. Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
Back when Foster was winning medals for Great Britain as a long-distance runner — gold in the 1974 European Championships, bronze in the 1976 Olympic Games, gold at the 1978 Commonwealth Games — the streets were not clogged with joggers, which is strange to think of now. George Caulkin, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025 The Gravelines nuclear power plant faced a similar problem last month, when jellyfish clogged up the cooling system to cause four of its units to switch off automatically. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clog
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog
Noun
  • This means that fuel cells can, theoretically, operate without the infrastructure problems of electric or hydrogen vehicles, but the real obstacle is achieving sheer power in a light, compact engine that is compliant with existing regulations.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Sep. 2025
  • This enables the robot to figure out its precise navigation and obstacle avoidance coordinates, with an accuracy down to 2 centimeters.
    Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But Congress has long blocked that increase from taking effect, with lawmakers from both parties fearful about the political fallout of voting themselves a pay raise.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • That dire warning aside, California tribes are also suing for a preliminary injunction against Kalshi to block its prediction markets.
    Contessa Brewer,Alex Sherman, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was issued a red card in the 38th minute for impeding Charlotte’s Wilfried Zaha in the box.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The university has also cracked down on chalking on campus sidewalks, which critics say impedes the free speech rights of students.
    Chris Quintana, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For a franchise placing its future on the development of young players, the timing of the injuries is a hurdle.
    Grant Afseth, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • As a result, same-sex couples continue to face other challenges in other aspects of daily life, from visiting their partner at hospitals to raising children, hurdles that families in many other global financial capitals that look to attract top talent no longer face.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ultimately, North was found guilty of destroying official documents, accepting a home security system as a gift and obstructing Congress in 1989.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
  • With the sandboxing proposal, companies could identify regulations that are obstructing their efforts, and ask for a waiver.
    Emily Wilkins, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And the new administration may be further hampering those plans.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Tyler Robinson was also arrested on charges of obstruction of justice and the felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, authorities said.
    Bobby Allyn, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Since then, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson has been taken into custody and is charged with murder, obstruction, and felony firearm charges after allegedly shooting Kirk from a nearby building while the right-wing activist was speaking at a college event in Utah.
    Zach LaChance, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • At night, the fire crackled while insects filled the air and a distant lion let out a low, steady rumble.
    Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Companies are increasingly stepping into roles traditionally held by colleges, universities, and trade schools, creating their own certification programs to address skill gaps that formal education hasn't filled.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clog. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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