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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 That’s because certain foods can prevent the efficient absorption of iron and vitamin B12, which can cause a deficiency, such as: High-fiber foods can inhibit vitamin B12 absorption.7 Vitamin A-containing foods, such as vegetables, can inhibit iron absorption. Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2025 The Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) remain the bane of the club, inhibiting their ability to strengthen. Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 4 Feb. 2025 Meanwhile, eliminate stovepipes that inhibit information sharing between tracking agencies. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 The medication should not be taken alongside others that strongly inhibit an enzyme called CYP3A, which includes some antibiotics and antivirals. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 31 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inhibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibit
Verb
  • Without such reform, unmanageable debt will continue to impede these countries from investing in domestic green industrial strategies or in other measures to prevent and respond to climate, health, and other emergencies.
    Mariana Mazzucato, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
  • However, any individual who impedes law enforcement operations, potentially threatening the safety of law enforcement agents and subjects of their investigations, is subject to investigation and potential prosecution by the Department of Justice.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Colleagues in a healthy workplace regulate what’s acceptable and what grates with thousands of social cues that most don’t consciously register.
    Anna Jankowska, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • In New York, one of the states that regulates lottery courier services, companies are expected – once they are licensed – to adhere to the state’s Gaming Commission’s regulations.
    Michelle Watson, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Trump wanted to discourage DEI efforts by corporations and others.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
  • None of the other 23 states that allow initiatives, most in the Midwest and West, go so far out of their way to discourage them.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Hamby noted older teens in high school should be mindful of behaviors that hinder their personal growth.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Any broad shutdowns of missions, especially entire embassies, would hinder the work of large parts of the federal government and potentially compromise U.S. national security.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Most drugstore shampoos contain harsh ingredients that dry out the scalp.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The formula also contains polyhydroxy acid, a cousin to AHAs that offer light exfoliating perks.
    Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Lack of specificity in contracts could lead to cascading problems such as insufficient locked storage space, which could dissuade unsheltered people from accepting shelter, discourage those in the shelter from leaving to seek work and exacerbate the insecurity of those with hoarding tendencies.
    Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025
  • That feature can use external cameras and switch on alerts and alarms to dissuade potential thieves or vandals − and alert owners via a mobile app that something is happening.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025
  • This complexity hampers everything from vulnerability triage to compliance audits, ironically undermining the very protections these tools promise.
    Aviv Mussinger, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Trump said all three countries needed to do more to curb the amount of fentanyl coming over the border.
    Filip Timotija, The Hill, 7 Mar. 2025
  • President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has shut down 146,000 government credit cards in just two weeks in an effort to curb waste and fraud within the federal government.
    Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inhibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inhibit. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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