clog 1 of 2

Definition of clognext

clog

2 of 2

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

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
As someone who lives in Birkenstock clogs all summer, these feel like a transitional weather equivalent. Iman Balagam, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026 Most plumbers recommend cleaning drains monthly to prevent clogs from occurring in the first place. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
The amphibians clog up the Nile, homes, and the royal palace, making everyday life impossible. Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026 Although convenient, dryer sheets can leave a residue that clogs the lint trap and contributes to buildup. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clog
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog
Noun
  • While there wasn’t a 7-foot-4 obstacle blocking the lane, the Clippers still couldn’t get out of their own way and lost to the Spurs for the third time in less than a month, 118-99, at the Intuit Dome.
    Janis Carr, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026
  • At the same time, the physicists don’t see any insurmountable obstacles.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The undrafted rookie blocked two shots in the final seconds to help the Sacramento Kings hold on for a 117-113 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans before a crowd of 15,422 at Golden 1 Center.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The strait has effectively blocked by Iran since the start of the war.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The indictment includes the conspiracy count, which carries a maximum sentence of six years in federal prison, as well as several other counts of forcibly impeding a federal officer, each punishable by up to one year in federal prison.
    Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Castle has become nearly impossible to impede.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There are technological hurdles for SpaceX to carry out its plans.
    The Los Angeles Times, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
  • This is because their use can open a Pandora’s box of unexpected hurdles and new challenges in the garden.
    Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Prosecutors said Insua’s view was obstructed by the cargo, a deckhouse and crane on the barge.
    David Goodhue, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Full-palm tactile sensing allows the robot to continue manipulating objects even when cameras are obstructed or when precise force control is required, such as in assembly tasks.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The moves have reportedly left the task force without prosecutors with national security experience, hampering its goal to root out American connections to the Hamas attacks (which included 40 Americans among its approximately 1,200 victims).
    Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Their flight plan for Friday also included rehearsals of basic medical procedures — including chest compressions and methods to clear airway obstructions — to help prepare future Orion crews for possible emergencies in deep space.
    William Harwood, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Comey was charged with making a false statement and obstruction stemming from his testimony to Congress years earlier.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • For every event that closes, such as the Johannesburg Biennale (held in 1995 and 1997) and the Marrakech Biennale (2004–16), others, like the Lagos Biennial (founded in 2017) and the Stellenbosch Triennial (founded in 2020), emerge to fill the void.
    Smooth Nzewi, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Hernandez’s supervisors asked her to fill a new role in 2018, a job that did not exist anywhere else in the state.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clog. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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