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Definition of inhibitnext
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as in to discourage
to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action a fundamental sense of propriety should have inhibited you from making a drunken spectacle of yourself

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inhibit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inhibit are forbid, interdict, and prohibit. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation.

conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade

When is forbid a more appropriate choice than inhibit?

The words forbid and inhibit can be used in similar contexts, but forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

When is it sensible to use interdict instead of inhibit?

While in some cases nearly identical to inhibit, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

When might prohibit be a better fit than inhibit?

The synonyms prohibit and inhibit are sometimes interchangeable, but prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

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 inhibit Yet, law enforcement officials said barefoot driving may carry some risks, like inhibiting the ability to apply consistent pressure on the pedals or react quickly in emergency situations. Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 6 Jan. 2026 The serum’s star ingredient is a proprietary 4-CLGN complex that combines hydrating beta-glucan with signaling and neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides. Kathleen Baird-Murray, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2026 The rescue teams had to navigate difficult terrain, rain and fog that inhibited the search, Busão Curitiba reported. Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026 The reaction temporarily inhibits stomach enzymes in the area from breaking down the drug, which gives the semaglutide enough time to be absorbed. Alice Park, Time, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inhibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibit
Verb
  • Yet the current administration’s dismissive stance toward mRNA science, particularly COVID vaccines, could impede that effort.
    Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
  • New data shows Loop vacancies ballooned over the recent third quarter as post-pandemic work trends continue to impact and impede demand.
    Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • According to Spark Biomedical, this stimulation regulates the nervous system and influences blood flow.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The devices measure pollutants regulated by the EPA, including nitrogen oxides, ozone and particulate matter from sources like gas turbines, factories and heavy traffic.
    Jack Armstrong, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Despite being one of the top defenses all season, the last month has been discouraging.
    Austin Mock, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • This design helps prevent condensation buildup and discourages rodents and pests, while still reducing the risk of damage from falling debris during winter storms.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
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
Verb
  • Dominique could hardly contain himself in his seat.
    Mirin Fader, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Some fruit pits and seeds, like those in apples and pears, contain traces of cyanide, which is harmful to birds.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The reminder didn’t dissuade at least five park visitors from participating in a 2023 brawl that was captured on video, showing a woman and man throwing punches at each other and wrestling before others joined in.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
  • By providing the Kichwa additional education and alternative sources of income, they’re dissuaded from hunting the more incredible animals in the rainforest.
    Noah Lederman, Robb Report, 3 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026
  • 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.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Alex Rafalowicz, executive director of that initiative, told me the idea for a treaty builds on an International Court of Justice decision earlier this year that held nations legally responsible for curbing climate-heating pollution.
    John D. Sutter, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • But Walpole’s excitement was curbed when they were flagged for excessive celebration.
    Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inhibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inhibit. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on inhibit

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