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Definitions

stymie

[stahy-mee] / ˈstaɪ mi /
VERB
frustrate, hinder
Synonyms
STRONGEST
choke off crimp foil impede obstruct stall stonewall thwart
STRONG
balk block confound corner crab cramp defeat mystify nonplus pigeonhole prevent puzzle shelve snooker stump
WEAK
cramp one's style cut off dead-end give the runaround hang fire hang-up hold off hold up put on back burner put on hold throw a monkey wrench into
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abet advance aid assist forward help support
STRONG
allow clarify clear up enlighten explain explicate let go release
WEAK
encourage

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It was supposed to improve information-sharing, not stymie it.

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2026

And they understand behavioral finance and the psychological biases that can cloud your judgment and stymie your saving, spending and investing habits.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 26, 2026

The administration could also stymie builder share repurchases, Kim noted.

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026

They are also thinking of ways to stymie enemy drones without accidentally thwarting their own.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 13, 2025

Or, with the game all square and one to play, To be defeated by a stymie?

From Punch, or the London Charivari, May 27, 1914 by Seaman, Owen, Sir