clog 1 of 2

noun

ˈkläg How to pronounce clog (audio)
Definition of clognext
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult she's not one to let moral principle be a clog upon her conscience

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

clog

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to block
to prevent passage through by filling with something the discovery that a ton of hair was clogging the drain in the tub

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to impede
to create difficulty for the work or activity of a court system clogged by frivolous suits

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb clog contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of clog are fetter, hamper, manacle, shackle, and trammel. While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering.

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

Where would fetter be a reasonable alternative to clog?

While in some cases nearly identical to clog, fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

When might hamper be a better fit than clog?

The synonyms hamper and clog are sometimes interchangeable, but hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence.

hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

How does the word shackle relate to other synonyms for clog?

Both shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom.

a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice
a people manacled by tyranny

When can trammel be used instead of clog?

The words trammel and clog are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net.

rules that trammel the artist's creativity

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 clog
Noun
Give these no-fuss clogs and sneakers from Amazon a try — starting at just $24. — Nicol Natale, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025 At Gilt, the Boston clogs, which Kendall Jenner, Riley Keough, and more stars have worn, are marked down in a few staple colors. — Nicol Natale, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
Ischemic stroke happens when an artery that supplies the brain is clogged with a blood clot, often as a result of atherosclerosis or cardioembolism—when a blood clot travels from the heart to the brain. — Alicen Nelson Md, Verywell Health, 27 Mar. 2025 When a pipe bursts or a drain gets clogged, homeowners search for fast, reliable solutions. — Michael Fox, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clog
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog
  1. obstacle
  2. block
  3. impede
  4. hurdle
  5. obstruct
  6. hamper
  7. obstruction
  8. fill
Noun
  • Your passion must propel you forward when obstacles arise.
    — Jay Ruderman, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Many beneficiaries already face obstacles getting through to the Social Security’s phone lines to make an in-person appointment and then need to drive to a field office, said Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
    — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of obstacle
Verb
  • If a hacker tries to intercept the data, the system detects it immediately and blocks unauthorized access.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In contrast, saucer feeders allow the hummingbird to use its long tongue, as long as bees don’t enter and block the ports.
    — Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of block
Verb
  • Maintaining a vigorous, healthy lawn is a good way to impede weed establishment and problematic perennials like dandelions.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Williams’ Carlos Sainz initially qualified 12th but was handed a three-place grid penalty for impeding Hamilton, causing a shakeup in the order of those who were knocked out in Q2.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of impede
Noun
  • Data Sharing Without Risk Security and trust remain critical hurdles.
    — Shekar Natarajan, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Join 80 others in the comments View Comments The documentation required by each state also varies, and ID seekers discussing the REAL ID process online have commented on hurdles for people who have had name changes or other inconsistencies in their documentation.
    — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of hurdle
Verb
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The status of the third remained unknown, but snow obstructed a full view of the nest.
    — Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of obstruct
Verb
  • Aly Song | Reuters Trump's tariffs on China are already hampering Christmas sales.
    — Dan Mangan,Kevin Breuninger,Jeff Cox,Christina Wilkie,Erin Doherty,Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The daytime setting undermined their gimmicks, and Wyatt's early ankle injury hampered his performance, leading to a slow, unengaging match that failed to live up to the intriguing potential of the pairing.
    — Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of hamper
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Michael was previously arrested in 2020 and charged with a misdemeanor offense of criminal obstruction of breathing and second-degree harassment.
    — Christina Dugan Ramirez, Fox News, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Since the start of 2025, 26 drivers have been injured in traffic incidents in Missouri caused by foreign objects or obstructions in the road, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol data.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of obstruction
Verb
  • Early-arriving downtown office workers confronted basements filled with rapidly rising waters.
    — Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Over a one-week period, a concrete solution was applied to fill the hole until the leak stopped.
    — Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of fill

Browse Nearby Words

clods
clog
clogged
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clog. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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