Definition of inhibitnext
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as in to discourage
to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action a fundamental sense of propriety should have inhibited you from making a drunken spectacle of yourself

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inhibit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inhibit are forbid, interdict, and prohibit. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation.

conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade

When is forbid a more appropriate choice than inhibit?

The words forbid and inhibit can be used in similar contexts, but forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

When is it sensible to use interdict instead of inhibit?

While in some cases nearly identical to inhibit, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

When might prohibit be a better fit than inhibit?

The synonyms prohibit and inhibit are sometimes interchangeable, but prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

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 inhibit There are structural reasons that may inhibit people from adopting a healthy diet, Ortega argued. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026 This suggests that these trees have evolved a unique defense strategy where chemical compounds are mobilized to seal wounds, while also inhibiting the invasion of pathogens or herbivores. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026 Interestingly, one study found that bamboo compounds inhibited the formation of furan and reduced the formation of acrylamide – the toxic chemicals produced through frying or roasting some foods. New Atlas, 20 Jan. 2026 Fenugreek and ginseng, which can inhibit blood clotting, may also affect blood sugar levels. Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inhibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibit
Verb
  • Homan said there will be zero tolerance for interfering, impeding or assaulting officers.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 30 Jan. 2026
  • While parking in the driveway may be convenient, cars cannot block the sidewalk or impede pedestrians passing by.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But, like the media companies, both banks are regulated by his Administration, creating an incentive to settle.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Breathable, flexible fabrics help regulate temperature and move with your body—especially when layered intentionally.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The travel watch still discourages unnecessary travel.
    Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Jan. 2026
  • The region is grappling with a winter storm that is paralyzing activity in the area with freezing precipitation on its roads, discouraging shoppers from heading out to stores.
    Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Normally, scent voices are mere whispers compared to the screams and angry shouts of humans, but in that section, certain sensitive plant species shrieked incessantly because of their proximity to plants that hindered their growth.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Among the factors hindering higher youth participation, CIRCLE research shows, include confusing registration deadlines and requirements, a lack of youth outreach and a dearth of regular curriculum that teaches young people about elections and voting in school.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The current edition, DSM-5-TR, contains more than 300 distinct mental disorders such as schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder and alcohol use disorder.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Electronic waste from phones, laptops and more contains high concentrations of valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper, gold and silver.
    Kristen Edgreen Kaufman, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • If some companies, like BP and Total acquiesced, others like Exxon and Conoco packed up and left, writing off $billions and filing international arbitration claims that dissuaded many firms from seeking to establish operations in the country.
    Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
  • There’s nothing like the threats of Sasquatch coming into the theater, stuffing you in a sleeping bag and beating you against a tree in one of their Don’t Talk PSAs to dissuade you from using your phone.
    Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Although weather conditions in Charlotte improved Monday, the aftermath of the storm continued to hamper travel plans, resulting in an additional 700 cancellations and 465 delays.
    Chase Jordan January 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Read the Story US airlines are still paring back flights as a deep freeze hampers the restart of operations at some major hubs.
    Jordan Erb, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Prosecutors reject that claim, saying the decision was based on the strength of the evidence, Utah law and a desire to curb speculation and misinformation in a case that immediately drew national and international attention.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
  • There has long been interest in curbing fees, and bipartisan bills to cap credit card interest rates at 10% have previously been introduced, highlighting potential appetite for the move.
    Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inhibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inhibit. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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