1
as in sequence
a series of things linked together
the chain of events that led the American colonies to seek independence from Great Britain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
this community will grow and prosper only after it has thrown off the chains of ignorance and prejudice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in bracelet
something that physically prevents free movement
chains on the prisoner's ankles
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to bind
to confine or restrain with or as if with chains
chaining up the dog in the backyard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to connect
to put or bring together so as to form a new and longer whole
the prosecutor meticulously and brilliantly chained all the evidence together in his closing argument
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of chain
Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2026
The hazardous conditions could make travel difficult with delays and chain controls.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Feb. 2026
Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Twenty-seven women were forced into a small holding cell after spending hours cuffed and chained on a bus where guards refused to give them food, water, or access to a toilet, according to USA Today; they were told to urinate on the floor.
—Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chain
Noun
Our distribution chain was interconnected with all the steamboats that carried goods throughout the Chesapeake region and Baltimore’s splendid railroad network.
—Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2026
The hazardous conditions could make travel difficult with delays and chain controls.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
Who knows how much KPop Demon Hunters would have brought in were it not chained to Netflix streaming?
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Twenty-seven women were forced into a small holding cell after spending hours cuffed and chained on a bus where guards refused to give them food, water, or access to a toilet, according to USA Today; they were told to urinate on the floor.
—Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chain
Noun
-
The company described the sequence as a full-mode transition flight.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Its landing sequence was a feat of unconventional engineering.—
Ilya Ferapontov,
Scientific American,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
When the car finally got moving, protesters began throwing obstacles in its path — Lime scooters, bicycles, seemingly anything that might trigger the car’s automatic anti-collision braking system.—
Evan Minsker,
Rolling Stone,
7 Feb. 2026
-
While road mentality might be one of Missouri’s biggest obstacles right now, the Tigers still have to focus on the opponent, too.—
Ally Schiepp,
Kansas City Star,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The bold two-tone bracelet and contrasting black face make this a standout option.—
John Monaco,
InStyle,
7 Feb. 2026
-
In fact, the bracelet is nearly an exact replica, underpinned by more elevated, modern craftsmanship.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But the Olympic Charter — the book of rules and protocol for the Games and Olympic sports bodies — binds the national Olympic committees to staying neutral in political matters.—
Colleen Barry,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2026
-
The interim administration is bound to an international roadmap that demands measurable progress on democratic reforms, the release of political prisoners and restructuring of key sectors of the economy.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Morato also failed to connect with a golden opportunity to pull a goal back, shortly before Lorenzo Lucca finally did.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
7 Feb. 2026
-
But tariffs are broadly unpopular with Americans, who connect them with the country’s affordability crisis.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Apparently, the Meyers in Long Beach were ruled unfit as guardians, or Lynn refused to go back to them, so juvenile authorities located some blood relatives, possibly her father or half sister, and put her on a train back East.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Commissioned by a non-profit called Clean Cities (and delivered by market research company, OpinionWay), the survey sought to understand how urbanites feel about public transport – metro, tram, train, buses and robotaxis – in locations like London, Berlin, Warsaw and Rome.—
Laurie Winkless,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Part of the advertising hurdle with the beach experience is getting guests to understand its value as a shore excursion rather than compared to Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is included in cruise fares.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Jerusalem — The first week of the partial reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt was marked by confusion, and logistical hurdles, according to Palestinians attempting to cross and multiple sources who spoke to CNN on condition of anonymity.—
Oren Liebermann,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Plutarch earned 20 Kentucky Derby points, giving him 23, tied with Intrepido for third in the standings.—
Jay Posner,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Cities tied to playoff teams also saw major spikes.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chain. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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