hinder 1 of 2

verb

ˈhin-dər How to pronounce hinder (audio)
Definition of hindernext
as in to impede
to create difficulty for the work or activity of was not hindered by a lack of money because she could use what food she had on hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hinder

2 of 2

adjective

ˈhīn-dər How to pronounce hinder (audio)
as in rear
being at or in the part of something opposite the front part the animal's case of mange was especially bad in its hinder parts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb hinder contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hinder are block, impede, and obstruct. While all these words mean "to interfere with the activity or progress of," hinder stresses causing harmful or annoying delay or interference with progress.

rain hindered the climb

Where would block be a reasonable alternative to hinder?

The words block and hinder can be used in similar contexts, but block implies complete obstruction to passage or progress.

a landslide blocked the road

When would impede be a good substitute for hinder?

The words impede and hinder are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impede implies making forward progress difficult by clogging, hampering, or fettering.

tight clothing that impedes movement

When could obstruct be used to replace hinder?

The meanings of obstruct and hinder largely overlap; however, obstruct implies interfering with something in motion or in progress by the sometimes intentional placing of obstacles in the way.

the view was obstructed by billboards

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 hinder
Verb
The Bulls have not hindered themselves with any bad money deals that will last after this season. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026 Bad Bunny’s dedication to his native language has hardly hindered his success. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026 Their relative newness to needlework hasn’t hindered business. —Julianna Chen, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026 The coarse language came after Kidd was asked to respond to early season critiques of Mavs rookie Cooper Flagg playing point guard, which some felt would hinder his development. —Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hinder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hinder
  1. impede
  2. rear
  3. hamper
  4. back
  5. obstruct
  6. embarrass
Verb
  • Dozens of felony cases against protesters accused of assaulting or impeding federal officers have also crumbled.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Along with this comes a lack of awareness about eating disorders, stigma and unhealthy attitudes and assumptions toward mental health from coaches and other athletic personnel, all of which can impede an athlete’s likelihood of seeking care.
    — Emily Hemendinger, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of impede
Adjective
  • And indeed, one of its most unique elements is a cast-iron spiral staircase that once led from Lennon and Ono’s apartment to a roof terrace but now, fully restored, connects the the parlor-floor living room to the rear garden.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2026
  • These include rear-view mirrors mounted to the handlebars, front and rear turn signals, a compact digital dash, a sidestand, and a license-plate holder.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of rear
Verb
  • Democratic lawmakers condemn Maxwell’s plea Democrats in the House Oversight Committee denounced Maxwell’s request for a presidential pardon and suggested that Trump’s refusal to rule out such a possibility has hampered the committee’s inquiry.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
  • As has been the case many a time during the season, giveaways hampered Golden State for much of the night.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of hamper
Adjective
  • The Bulls held Huerter out of Sunday’s game against the Miami Heat because of back spasms.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Raw meat was stored above the vegetables in the freezer, some employee food was stored with the establishment’s food and the back storage area needed to be cleaned.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of back
Verb
  • The person appears to first try obstructing the lens with their gloved hand.
    — Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • This, along with the 911 calls, led to his arrest for allegedly obstructing police.
    — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of obstruct
Verb
  • One day, Will goes viral after embarrassing ROAR league MVP, Mane Attraction (Aaron Pierre), during a streetball challenge, prompting his favorite team, the Vineland Thorns, to sign him to a season-ending contract in a desperate attempt to juice ticket sales.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The case has deeply embarrassed the royal family, especially his mother, who suffers from an incurable lung illness and who is torn between her role as mother and future queen.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of embarrass

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Cite this Entry

“Hinder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hinder. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of hinder for Spanish Speakers

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