hinder 1 of 2

adjective

ˈhīn-dər How to pronounce hinder (audio)
Definition of hindernext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hinder

2 of 2

verb

ˈhin-dər How to pronounce hinder (audio)
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

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
Once released, the unnamed work will be her first official album in 15 years, however, the gap in drops has not hindered the Grammy-winner from performing. — Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 19 Mar. 2025 The kudos were a nice contrast to recent reports of motorists blocking fire hydrants with their cars, hindering firefighting efforts. — Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 19 Mar. 2025 The severe thunderstorm threat is nowhere near as significant or widespread as the tornado outbreak spawned by this weekend’s deadly storm, but storms could hinder recovery efforts where people are trying to pick up the pieces and threaten some of the same areas impacted Friday. — Mary Gilbert, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025 Trump and Putin to speak Tuesday as Trump seeks end to Ukraine war, Trump says Zelenskyy has since released several statements framing Putin as intentionally hindering ceasefire talks. — David Brennan, ABC News, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hinder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hinder
  1. rear
  2. impede
  3. back
  4. hamper
  5. obstruct
  6. embarrass
Adjective
  • If the rumors hold true, the 17 Air would be positioned between the base and Pro models and come with a 6.6-inch ProMotion display, a 48-megapixel rear camera, an A19 chip, the new C1 modem, and the Camera Control button.
    — Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Its indoor garage transports a 25-foot tender, and there are other openings near the stern that expand the rear beach club and spa.
    — Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of rear
Verb
  • Britain’s youth are grappling with worse mental health now than 10 years ago, pushing more of them out of employment than their middle-aged peers and impeding their career growth.
    — BYPrarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Whereas, for example, if AI is part of a feature set, one component faulting does not necessarily cause the user to feel their tasks have been impeded.
    — Agur Jõgi, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of impede
Adjective
  • The only Heat players unavailable against the Celtics were Alec Burks (lower back pain), Josh Christopher (G League), Nikola Jovic (broken right hand) and Dru Smith (left Achilles surgery).
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Our testers found that too-soft memory foam caused their lower back pain to flare; however, using this mattress resulted in a massive reduction in lower back pain and deeper sleep.
    — Health Editorial Team, Health, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of back
Verb
  • Both Iran and North Korea could then use Russian nuclear and missile technology to develop advanced weapons that would hamper the U.S. military’s response options in East Asia and the Middle East—and even threaten the American homeland.
    — Christopher S. Chivvis, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Over recent weeks, CISA employees, all speaking on the condition of anonymity, had told Forbes morale was low and concerns were high that important work was being hampered by the cuts.
    — Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of hamper
Verb
  • 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, 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
  • Get okay with the idea that in the future, your past work will embarrass you.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The Vance memes seem to contain an admission as well: that even some conservatives do not see him as essential to the current MAGA movement. Consider the fact that Democrats have long tried to embarrass Trump with memes and images of him as an infant, a Cheeto, and other forms.
    — Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 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 25 Mar. 2025.

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