TYING UP Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

tying up

verb

variants or tieing up

present participle of tie up

as in impeding

to create difficulty for the work or activity of an accident is tying up traffic at 5th and Broadway

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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 tying up The episode centered on the botched transfer of crime boss Heath Everett (Jeffrey Vincent Parise), but true fans were more glued to the love story tying up between Winter’s Tim Bradford and Melissa O’Neil’s Lucy Chen. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026 Much of the penultimate episode is about tying up loose ends and spending some wholesome time together before the eliminations inevitably begin, and … honestly, everyone is just getting along pretty well. — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 11 July 2026 From a customer standpoint, no traveler has ever chosen a flight based on who holds the title to the aircraft, so airlines quietly stopped tying up capital to own them. — Mushfig Aliyev, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Council member Johnathan Duncan, who represents the Sixth District, questioned whether entering another stadium project negotiation is tying up too much of the city’s tax revenue. — Dylan Lysen june 30, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026 Nearly 40% of calls handled by Sacramento’s emergency medical services system were non-emergencies, tying up ambulances and paramedics, delaying urgent medical responses and adding nearly $5 million in costs to the city, according to a city audit. — Reeti Malhotra may 29, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026 As many spread awareness to avoid tying up a dog outside, Ezra's owner is hoping someone can help. — Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 19 May 2026 Thirty seconds later, Faber’s shot from the point ticked off Heiskanen’s glove and past Oettinger, tying up the game 1-1. — Michael Russo, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026 Mubadala has recently become one of the most aggressive Gulf sovereign wealth funds, embarking on a dealmaking spree, tying up with some of the biggest names in global finance, and taking a more active role leading on investments rather than being a passive capital provider. — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 9 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tying up

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 impeding

Verb

Delays connecting new power plants to the grid are hampering progress.

— Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Aug. 2026
Toub said the only scenario in which a rookie wouldn’t participate in special teams is because of an injury — such as the shoulder issue that’s currently hampering the Chiefs’ first-round draft pick, cornerback Mansoor Delane.

— Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of hampering

Verb

Many of the voters of the other political parties have been lending him their support, partly in the hope of embarrassing Farage.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Anthrax, Sublime, and Red Hot Chili Peppers were easy and often embarrassing examples, but the funky waka-waka guitar sound extended to Rage Against the Machine, Green Jellÿ, and Suicidal Tendencies (and their side project, Infectious Grooves).

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of embarrassing

Verb

Soaring prices stemming from the conflict have forced African countries to keep interest rates elevated, holding back growth and adding to already high borrowing costs.

— Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Marsh was a fearless critic, rarely holding back even with his most caustic and controversial views.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of holding back

Verb

He was charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence and obstructing the investigation, according to a press release from Sunday's office.

— Finch Walker, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026
Paul Robinson, the father of a student who was accused with Abbatiello of being one of the ring’s two main suppliers, is charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension and obstructing the investigation.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of obstructing

Verb

Paul stressed that James wasn’t currently handicapping any teams after James and the Lakers mutually parted aways following eight seasons.

— Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Who else was astute enough to recognize the potential of a Sun Devil when handicapping hypothetical mascot fights?

— Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 2 June 2026

Definition of handicapping

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tying (together)

tying up

tyke

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“Tying up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tying%20up. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of tying up

verb

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