Stymie

USAGE SUMMARY

"stymie" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to hindering or obstructing progress or action. Example: The unexpected rainstorm stymied our plans for a picnic. Alternative expressions include "hinder" and "impede."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is that Lyons stops short of liberating councils to build more homes: Arcane Treasury rules currently stymie those councils which are keen to build the housing their residents need.

The Guardian

Yet the banks have been reluctant suspicious, like the IMF, that politics will stymie reform, drive up inflation and sink their newly bought bonds.

The Economist

And the battle continues: in a San Jose court this week, Apple argued that Samsung owes it $2.2 billion for infringing patents on its devices.Ms Kane notes that Apple's campaign of litigation was inspired by Jobs, who was determined to stymie the advance of Google's Android mobile operating system, which Samsung has championed.

The Economist

Mr Obama has been banging on about higher taxes for the rich since his previous election campaign, yet the Republicans have managed to stymie them.

The Economist

The military junta of the time inserted it into the new constitution in 2008 specifically to stymie the political aspirations of their most feared opponent, then languishing under house arrest.

The Economist

Mr Maskhadov after serving with reluctance in the Soviet forces that tried to stymie Lithuania's freedom returned to his Caucasian homeland and soon became the leader of a bloodier independence movement whose campaign has cost many tens of thousands of lives.In the end, Mr Putin had Mr Maskhadov killed.

The Economist

Sunni Arabs are now divided between yes, no and boycott camps, so the rejectionists seem less likely to muster the necessary two-thirds majority in at least three provinces to stymie the new constitution.So the last-ditch amendments may give Iraq's constitutional drafters more time to try pulling more Sunnis back into peaceful politics and away from the insurgency.

The Economist

AS I have written in the print edition this week, an attempt by a local authority north of Belfast to stymie a play that satirised the Bible has ended in something like farce.

The Economist

In the summer he pushed a bill that would have provided free health care to the emergency crews who sifted through the wreckage of 9/11, knowing that the Republicans would stymie it for fear that some of the beneficiaries might be illegal immigrants.Given that Mr Reid's other faculties appear intact, it seems a safe bet that he can still count to 60.

The Economist

As soon as the chamber convened on January 5th, Tom Udall, a Democrat from New Mexico, put forward a motion to change the rules of the filibuster, whereby 41 of the 100 senators can stymie almost any measure.

The Economist

In this, it matches Nord Stream, a similar bypass under the Baltic (see map).South Stream may stymie a rival EU effort, Nabucco, which was meant to bring gas from the Caspian and Central Asia to western Europe through the Balkans.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stymie", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being obstructed and what or who is doing the obstructing. This provides clarity and strengthens the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "stymie" to describe minor inconveniences; it's more appropriate for significant obstructions or deliberate attempts to prevent progress.

Linguistic Context

"Stymie" functions primarily as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. It describes the action of hindering or preventing something. As Ludwig AI shows, it is commonly used in contexts where progress or plans are being deliberately or inadvertently blocked. It can also function as a noun, referring to an obstacle, though this is less common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Stymie" is a versatile term primarily used as a verb to describe the act of hindering or obstructing something. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and professional contexts. When writing, ensure the context makes clear what is being obstructed and what is causing the obstruction. While generally formal, avoid using it in trivial situations. Synonyms like "hinder" and "impede" can serve as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Impede

This alternative means to delay or prevent someone or something by obstructing them, similar to "stymie" but with a focus on slowing progress.

Hinder

This alternative suggests making it difficult for someone to do something or for something to happen, akin to "stymie" but often implying a temporary setback.

Obstruct

This alternative indicates blocking a path or progress, similar to "stymie" in creating an obstacle.

Thwart

This alternative suggests preventing someone from accomplishing something, often involving a deliberate act of opposition like "stymie".

Frustrate

This alternative implies causing someone to feel annoyed or upset because they cannot achieve something, which can be a result of being stymied.

Block

This alternative signifies preventing movement or passage, similar to how "stymie" prevents progress.

Inhibit

This alternative means to restrain or prevent an action or process, like "stymie" in its effect.

Curb

This alternative suggests restraining or controlling something, which can prevent its full development or impact, similar to "stymie".

Check

This alternative implies stopping or slowing down progress, akin to "stymie" in hindering advancement.

Neutralize

This alternative means to render something ineffective, thus preventing it from achieving its intended outcome, similar to the impact of "stymie".

FAQs

How can I use "stymie" in a sentence?

Use "stymie" to indicate something is being blocked or prevented from progressing. For example, "The new regulations "stymie" the company's expansion plans".

What's a good alternative to the word "stymie"?

Alternatives include "hinder", "impede", or "obstruct", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "stymie" formal or informal?

"Stymie" is generally considered a neutral to formal term, suitable for professional writing and news reports. It is not typically used in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "stymie" and "delay"?

"Stymie" suggests a more forceful and potentially complete obstruction, while "delay" implies a temporary postponement. Something that is stymied may never happen, while something delayed is expected to occur later.