CLOG Synonyms: 176 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'clog' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of clog are fetter , hamper , manacle , shackle , and trammel . While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering. // a court system clogged by frivolous suits

Q: Where would 'fetter' be a reasonable alternative to 'clog'?

While in some cases nearly identical to clog , fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost. // a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

Q: When might 'hamper' be a better fit than 'clog'?

The synonyms hamper and clog are sometimes interchangeable, but hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence. // hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

Q: How does the word 'shackle' relate to other synonyms for 'clog'?

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

Q: When can 'trammel' be used instead of 'clog'?

The words trammel and clog are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net. // rules that trammel the artist's creativity

clog 1 of 2

noun

ˈkläg

Definition of clog

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult she's not one to let moral principle be a clog upon her conscience

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

clog

2 of 2

verb

as in to block

to prevent passage through by filling with something the discovery that a ton of hair was clogging the drain in the tub

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to impede

to create difficulty for the work or activity of a court system clogged by frivolous suits

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb clog contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of clog are fetter, hamper, manacle, shackle, and trammel. While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering.

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

Where would fetter be a reasonable alternative to clog?

While in some cases nearly identical to clog, fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

When might hamper be a better fit than clog?

The synonyms hamper and clog are sometimes interchangeable, but hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence.

hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

How does the word shackle relate to other synonyms for clog?

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 can trammel be used instead of clog?

The words trammel and clog are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 clog

Noun

Kenzo came up into the house, taking great strides forward with one clog-shod foot after the other. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 It should not be confused with fixing an existing shower clog. — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026

Verb

For a face tan that won’t clog pores or mess with your skin care routine, the lightweight Isle of Paradise Self-Tan Face Drops can be mixed into your moisturizer (or layered under it) as part of your skin care routine. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2026 The sheer volume of sea life clogged the filter drums that clear incoming ocean water. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clog

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog

Noun

When children are experiencing poor educational outcomes, at what point does opposition to an alternative become an obstacle to giving families another opportunity?

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Kids today face tremendous obstacles, but perhaps because of the pandemic, many, like Keira, are well-rounded and involved in work, school, extracurricular activities and devoted to their friends and family.

— Nicole Russell, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstacle

Verb

Then, use the cotton balls to block areas where vermin may try to enter.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
The Kennedy Center's board is expected to meet Thursday to consider plans for the performing arts venue's future after a federal judge blocked an earlier move for a two-year closure that would allow for substantial renovations.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of block

Verb

Lynda Albertson, an art-crime analyst, said the works are instantly recognizable, impeding any effort to sell them through reputable channels.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Lynda Albertson, an art crime analyst, said the works are instantly recognizable, impeding any effort to sell them through reputable channels.

— Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of impede

Noun

Russia's small and medium businesses already have been hit hard by tax increases, regulatory hurdles and, most recently, a fuel crisis from attacks on oil refineries.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Harper Hutton, 12, of Aurora Flyers, placed second in the girls pentathlon high jump, fourth in the pentathlon 80-meter hurdles and pentathlon long jump and fifth in the girls pentathlon shot put.

— Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of hurdle

Verb

Collapsed buildings East Nusa Tenggara Police Chief Rudi Darmoko said power outages hampered the spread of information about the impact of the earthquake in cities and villages, complicating search and rescue efforts.

— Yacob Herin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
The attack is hampered further by uncertainty over when left-winger Kaoru Mitoma will be available to return from hamstring surgery.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of hamper

Verb

Be sure to plan at least one evening on-property to catch the sunset, when the mountains are painted in shades of pink and purple before giving way to a sky filled with twinkling stars.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
His previous spell on the Bernabeu bench was filled with arguments and feuds, with the Portuguese angrily taking on referees, journalists, opposition coaches and even his own players.

— Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of fill

Browse Nearby Words

clods

clog

clogged

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“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clog. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of clog

noun

verb

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