HAMPER Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

hamper 1 of 2

verb

ˈham-pər

as in to hinder

to create difficulty for the work or activity of fallen branches hampered the hikers as they made their way along the narrow path

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hamper

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb hamper contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hamper are clog, fetter, manacle, shackle, and trammel. While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence.

hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

When is it sensible to use clog instead of hamper?

The meanings of clog and hamper largely overlap; however, clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering.

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

In what contexts can fetter take the place of hamper?

The synonyms fetter and hamper are sometimes interchangeable, but fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

How is shackle related to other words for hamper?

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 could trammel be used to replace hamper?

While in some cases nearly identical to hamper, 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 hamper

Verb

Currently, only 37% of the more than five million tons of trash generated in the county each year is recycled — and even that is hampered by a 40% contamination rate. —

Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026 Some of that can surely be chalked up to missing out on the rest and recharge that non-participating players took advantage of during that break, and McLellan confirmed recently that Larkin came back from the tournament banged up, which hampered him. —

Max Bultman, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

Noun

Additional reviewers have noted that this gift wrap organizer suits other purposes, too, as some have used it as a laundry hamper, garbage can, and storage for their arts and crafts. —

Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025 This results in fewer workers supporting more retirees—which drags on growth, strains pensions and health care, and hampers long-term innovation and fiscal stability. —

Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hamper

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamper

Verb

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.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
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.

— Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026