In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the word which…

Synonym questions ask you to pick the option whose core meaning matches the target word most closely - the right choice shares the same underlying sense, not just a related topic or similar sound.

Stymie means to hinder, block, or obstruct progress or an action. Among the options, "Hinder" carries exactly this meaning - to create an obstacle that slows or stops something, the same core idea as stymie.

Example: Their progress was hindered by the sudden heavy rain.

• "Stimulate" means to encourage or energize an activity - this is close to the opposite of stymie's blocking sense.

• "Stipulate" means to specify or lay down as a condition of an agreement - an act of setting terms, unrelated to obstruction.

• "Hoarse" describes a rough, strained voice - a description of sound quality, with no connection to obstructing progress.

"Hinder" is therefore the word that best captures stymie's meaning of creating an obstruction.