stymie
verb (used with object)
to hinder, block, or thwart.
have stymied
-
present perfectof stymie.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
No text of the agreement has been circulated, and key issues that have stymied negotiators since the start of the conflict—and for the decades that Iran has pursued a nuclear weapons program—remain unresolved.
From Barron's ● Jun. 15, 2026
"Although MFCs have existed as a concept for more than a century, their unreliable performance and low output power have stymied efforts to make practical use of them, especially in low-moisture conditions," Yen said.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 19, 2026
They are racing to resolve disputes in the next two weeks that have stymied negotiators for more than two decades—or at least make enough progress to extend negotiations.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 10, 2026
Worst of all, cuts to federal agencies like the Department of Agriculture have stymied ongoing hemp-research projects that would have clarified how derivative products should be considered.
From Slate ● May 28, 2025
The department has yet to ban deputy gang tattoos, and the courts have stymied efforts to identify the gangs’ alleged members.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 10, 2023
