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

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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
Platforms often lagged behind, hindered by slow processes, outdated technology, and limited functionalities. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 26 July 2025 The Trump White House intends to get rid of regulations that artificial intelligence developers see as hindering innovation — including measures related to boosting diversity, equity and inclusion, and curbing climate change. —Saige Miller, NPR, 23 July 2025 While the overall economic forecast remains ambiguous due to persistent worries regarding tariffs affecting major trading partners—which may incite inflation and hinder growth—Goldman is projected to gain from robust performance in its trading division. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025 Dry thunderstorms and gusty winds are hindering firefighting efforts and increasing fire risk. —Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 15 July 2025 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
  • Age Debt strains an organization’s resources, stifles innovation, and impedes growth.
    — Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • Seemingly random bureaucratic obstacles impeded Gee’s formal conversion, leading her to feel unwanted by the church and, by extension, God.
    — Terry Nguyen July 23, Literary Hub, 23 July 2025
Definition of impede
Adjective
  • Don't worry, Hyundai is launching a new line of N Performance parts, enabling buyers to swap on a positively massive rear wing that follows the trend of gooseneck mounting, a design popularized by modern GT racing.
    — Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025
  • Front and back seat room is spacious, with the ride particularly smooth for rear seat occupants.
    — James Raia, Mercury News, 13 July 2025
Definition of rear
Verb
  • So while the player got a dream move to one of Europe’s top leagues and RSL got what felt like good value, a once-promising push to win hardware was undeniably hampered.
    — Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 28 July 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of hamper
Adjective
  • But a back injury limited him during his third season, in 2009, and his shoulder failed him in 2010.
    — Jayson Jenks, New York Times, 25 July 2025
  • Indeed, this right was a major issue for NHL players in their recent CBA negotiations with the league after a dispute between Jack Eichel and the Buffalo Sabres concerning treatment for a neck and back injury.
    — Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of back
Verb
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
Definition of obstruct
Verb
  • Look, the Yankees didn’t embarrass themselves in a 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on Monday night.
    — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 29 July 2025
  • In the aftermath, the mother was angry for a week, accusing him of undermining her authority and embarrassing her in front of their social circle.
    — Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
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 5 Aug. 2025.

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