hinder 1 of 2

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

Synonym Chooser

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

Examples 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
Otherwise, reflect on who or what could be hindering your self-expression. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024 Although the former Soviet republic signed a deal with the EU in 2014 to forge closer political and economic ties, years of rampant corruption and lack of reform hindered development, and an exodus of hundreds of thousands of citizens sought better futures abroad. Stephen McGrath and Nicolae Dumitrache, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024 But concern is growing among some scientists worldwide that rising geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China — and the resulting souring of their scientific relationship — could hinder progress. Eric Baculinao, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2024 Their inefficient use of resources creates a ripple effect that hinders growth, stifles innovation and distorts markets. Robert Gorin, WWD, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hinder 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hinder
Adjective
  • The additional motor driving the rear wheels increases horsepower from 220 to 300 but only causes a small worsening of efficiency.
    Peter Douglas, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • The electronic differential adjusts the torque balance between the left and right rear wheels, going from fully open to fully locked (or vice-versa) in 135 milliseconds.
    Dan Carney, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • He was arrested in Savannah and is charged with felony counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers, and obstruction of law enforcement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., said in a statement.
    Phil Helsel, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Prosecutors were accusing Bundy of possessing firearms in a federal facility and of conspiring to impede federal officers.
    Matt Thompson, SPIN, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Fleur-de-lis designs are featured on the inside back neck and hem loop labels to honor the city of St. Louis.
    Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024
  • This is what begins to happen in the back half of the season.
    Max Gao, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • But it has not been shut down or hampered by government action even under Biden, and the new Trump administration likely also won’t take any action against it.
    CNN.com, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • The massive pier project was hampered by unexpected bad weather and security issues, as well as persistent safety issues involving Israeli forces that prompted aid agencies to halt distribution of the supplies out of fear of being injured and killed.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • About 571 were charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement agents or officers or obstructing those officers during a civil disorder, including approximately 164 defendants charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious bodily injury to an officer.
    Louis Jacobson, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Roads aren't expected to be slick, NWS of Louisville meteorologists predict, but the mix of snow and wind could obstruct visibility during afternoon commutes.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Once again, get ready to avoid embarrassing the CFO.
    Martha Amram, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • The Bears lost in humiliating fashion on Sunday, but a player's behavior late in the game has embarrassed fans more than the actual loss. Driving the news: With the Bears one play away from victory, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was caught taunting the D.C. crowd.
    Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 28 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near hinder

Cite this Entry

“Hinder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hinder. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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