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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 The rule of thumb is to make sure there is room for adequate airflow around the machine, which means keeping it at least 6 inches away from walls and furniture or any other obstructions that may inhibit airflow. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025 Many universities have been criticized for inhibiting or curtailing unpopular speech. Stephen Humphries, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Apr. 2025 The science of nitrous oxide: short high, long-term risks Nitrous oxide works by inhibiting NMDA receptors in the brain, which play a key role in how our brain processes signals related to pain and memory. Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025 He was also inhibited by an Achilles injury and not running smoothly. Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inhibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibit
Verb
  • The department in January ordered prosecutors to investigate for potential criminal charges any state or local officials who obstruct or impede federal functions.
    Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • In a January memo, the department instructed prosecutors to consider criminal charges against state and local authorities who obstruct or impede federal operations.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Its double-sided design keeps your body temperature regulated all night long, with one side made of cool gel memory and the other of breathable bamboo viscose.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The panelists agreed that a focused, narrow bill regulating stablecoins could help cement the U.S. dollar’s dominance in a digital future.
    Nik Popli, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Emotional illiteracy, disconnection from the body and organizational cultures that discourage vulnerability reinforce this divide.
    Nancy Zamierowski, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • In subtropical South Florida, the days can get so hot that the rising mercury might actually discourage pollen production.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Leaders worldwide are promoting minimal AI regulation to drive innovation and avoid hindering growth.
    Art Gilliland, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Being smart with money now, as well as brand building, is crucial to making sure your on-the-field duties are not hindered.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After the fire is fully contained, the next step is to control it.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Fires were contained, and no casualties were reported.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Beijing also sought to dissuade other ethnic armed organizations from working with the NUG and instructed them to negotiate with the junta.
    Ye Myo Hein, Foreign Affairs, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Italy tries to dissuade Trump All eyes are meanwhile on Italy’s Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, who is meeting President Trump on Thursday.
    Silvia Amaro, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The dissatisfaction simmered for years, hampering efforts to combine the automakers fully.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Trump executive order takes 'strong action' to curb fentanyl flow from Chinese imports Iowa Attorney Gen. Brenna Bird voices her support for a Trump executive order to close a trade loophole to curb the flow of fentanyl in the U.S. and Democrats' struggle to connect with voters.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Education Secretary Linda McMahon insisted Tuesday the White House’s recent demands are not about curbing freedom of speech.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inhibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inhibit. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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