1
as in to impede
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
the claim that all of these regulations encumber doctors, taking time away from the actual practice of medicine
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to load
to place a weight or burden on
don't encumber your pack animal so much that it can hardly move
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encumber
The land is thus financially encumbered and won’t be availble to be leased or sold until 2031 or after.
—
Eric Adler
august 23, Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2025
Reviving his carefree youth while accepting success, though being encumbered by humility, does more than present the performer as his best self.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
The anti-coercion instrument is encumbered with legalistic safeguards intended to ensure that the European Commission will not deploy it without sufficient approval from EU member states.
—Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
No longer encumbered by the demands put on the country's top diplomat, Kuleba has been speaking frankly on Kyiv's situation and outlook since departing his former role.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encumber
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encumber
Verb
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Yet the current administration’s dismissive stance toward mRNA science, particularly COVID vaccines, could impede that effort.—
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New data shows Loop vacancies ballooned over the recent third quarter as post-pandemic work trends continue to impact and impede demand.—
Verb
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From looking out for the notification from Delta that my luggage has been loaded on the plane to keeping an eye on FindMy at baggage claim, this portable charger is an indispensable travel essential.—
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The key is to reach for ones that are not loaded up with sugar; enter RX, a clean protein bar made from egg whites, dates, and nuts that pack in 12-18 grams of protein per bar in appealing recipes like chocolate sea salt, peanut butter, coconut chocolate, blueberry, and more.—
Verb
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Normally, scent voices are mere whispers compared to the screams and angry shouts of humans, but in that section, certain sensitive plant species shrieked incessantly because of their proximity to plants that hindered their growth.—
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Among the factors hindering higher youth participation, CIRCLE research shows, include confusing registration deadlines and requirements, a lack of youth outreach and a dearth of regular curriculum that teaches young people about elections and voting in school.—
Verb
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Such subsidies drive up demand, and therefore costs, while also burdening taxpayers.—
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Both left office humbled, burdened with lousy poll numbers and facing a well of deep voter discontent.—
Verb
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Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
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Archival added that rescue efforts had been hampered by the fact that any sparks created by digging machinery could ignite methane gas emitted by the landfill, per the outlet.—
Verb
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The work triangle has origins dating back to the 19th century, but in a space that now serves diverse purposes and is filled with technology and appliances that didn’t exist when it was created, is the kitchen work triangle still relevant?—
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If the car starts to fill with water and reaches seat level, fire officials say getting onto the roof of your vehicle becomes the safest option.—
Verb
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With few nearby cities and little on-property lighting, there's not a lot of light pollution obstructing your view of the stars from this International Dark Sky Park.—
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The video begins with Ross in front of the vehicle driven by Good, who had stopped her burgundy SUV perpendicular to the street, obstructing the flow of traffic.—
Verb
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The report reiterated concerns about seven situations, two of which have been on the list since 2007, including the bureaucracy’s chronic inability to successfully employ information technology — embarrassing for a state that is the global center for digital tools.—
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The report reiterated concerns about seven situations, two of which have been on the list since 2007, including the bureaucracy’s chronic inability to successfully employ information technology — embarrassing for a state that is the global center for digital tools.—
Cite this Entry
“Encumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encumber. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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