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

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
Rough weather has repeatedly hampered rescue efforts. Mohamed Sharuhaan, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026 High winds on Sunday hampered water drops as well as efforts to bring more firefighters to the island, about 30 miles off the coast near Santa Barbara, fire officials said. Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
Noun
Instead of tossing dirty laundry in a corner of a bedroom, store it neatly in a wicker hamper that’s perfectly designed to fit in any 90-degree angle. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2026 Moving to the couple's bedroom, the HGTV star can be seen dropping clothes on the floor right in front of the hamper, before brushing her teeth in the bathroom and spitting out water all over the mirror. Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hamper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamper
Verb
  • Similar artificial intelligence legislation had failed in previous years due to concerns from the governor’s office that regulations would hinder innovation in the state.
    P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
  • De-escalate the Crisis Narrative The word crisis is splashed across every headline regarding mental health, but Redding warns that overusing this term can actually hinder our ability to help.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • The potatoes are parcooked in the microwave, then finished in a grill basket, a technique that impressed our test kitchen with its simplicity.
    Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 15 May 2026
  • Likewise, romantic partners have to show respect and kindness to each other as well, or things will go to hell in a hand basket.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Goalkeeper Bernd Leno was the victim both times, impeded by Kevin Schade and then Igor Thiago.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 May 2026
  • In the Jazz Age, the culture and the style that Bradley was soaking up every night were information that white performers craved, but which racial segregation impeded them from accessing.
    Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Cooking utensils and small mounds of clothes are kept in plastic bags or heaped on the ground.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 16 May 2026
  • This casserole comes together a little faster with the help of steam-in-bag broccoli florets.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • You’re also banned from soliciting signatures, interfering with the voting process, disrupting the polling place or obstructing other voters’ access to the polling place.
    Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 19 May 2026
  • This month, a senior operations officer at the CIA alleged to Congress that the agency had obstructed those investigative efforts and claimed that the computer activity of DIG personnel was monitored.
    Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • These 100-percent linen pants have practical front panel pockets for holding small essentials, and shoppers praised the tapered design and ankle-length cut that work well on petite frames.
    Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2026
  • However, the combination of damage in the pocket and control time on the canvas built up to a near-shutout card.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • You’re locked in a cage with another human, that wants to beat the s*** out of you, embarrass you in front of millions of people.
    Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • The Sixers were embarrassed by the Knicks 144-114 in Game 4 in front of a New York-heavy crowd in South Philadelphia.
    Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • In 1935, the owner of the then sad-sack Philadelphia Eagles grew tired of better teams scooping up all the best players, and proposed the draft as a remedy.
    Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • With the Saints last season, Jordan had 10 1/2 sacks.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hamper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamper. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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