Synonyms of chain

chain 1 of 2

noun

ˈchān 

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

• sequence
• train
• string
• progression
• concatenation
• catena
• nexus
• catenation
• consecution
• continuum
• belt
• chain reaction
• cycle
• circle
• scale
• spectrum
• gauntlet
• flow
• file
• river
• stream
• succession
• vicious circle
• gamut
• queue
• line
• row
• range

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

• obstacle
• hurdle
• obstruction
• barrier
• embarrassment
• interference
• block
• let
• shackles
• burden
• inhibition
• impediment
• deterrent
• bar
• stop
• encumbrance
• constraint
• hindrance
• hitch
• stumbling block
• manacle
• load
• brake
• handicap
• drag
• clog
• crimp
• fetter
• trammel
• cramp
• delay
• balk
• holdback
• blockade
• stone wall
• rub
• arrest
• curb
• catch
• brick wall
• disadvantage
• restraint
• danger
• blockage
• rein
• embargo
• hazard
• stoppage
• snag
• stall
• difficulty
• reef
• bit
• holdup
• hobble
• drawback
• hardship
• check
• peril
• cumber
• adversity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incentive
• catalyst
• stimulus
• impetus
• spur
• advantage
• edge
• break
• assistance
• benefit
• stimulant
• aid
• goad
• help
• boost
• handmaiden

3

as in bracelet

something that physically prevents free movement

chains on the prisoner's ankles

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bracelet
• handcuff(s)
• bind
• shackle
• band
• confinement
• bond
• tie
• collar
• irons
• ligature
• fetter
• constraint
• trap
• cuff(s)
• restriction
• holding
• manacle(s)
• restraint
• entanglement
• curb
• enslavement
• enchainment
• hindrance
• imprisonment
• incarceration
• captivity
• net
• fastener
• trammel
• straitjacket
• hold
• immurement
• hold-down
• hobble

chain

2 of 2

verb

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

• bind
• tie
• shackle
• hamper
• handcuff
• lash
• enchain
• pinion
• fetter
• confine
• manacle
• link
• constrain
• attach
• trammel
• enfetter
• gyve
• iron
• secure
• bit
• truss
• fasten
• curb
• limit
• hobble
• hinder
• restrict
• join
• impede
• hog-tie
• tangle
• entangle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• release
• loose
• rescue
• free
• liberate
• undo
• unbind
• emancipate
• unshackle
• unfetter
• untie
• unfasten
• untangle
• detach
• disengage

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

• connect
• string
• link
• couple
• integrate
• interconnect
• compound
• hook
• yoke
• combine
• conjugate
• concatenate
• join
• catenate
• hitch
• interlink
• cord
• wire
• interlock
• weld
• dovetail
• cement
• fuse
• intermesh
• articulate
• coalesce
• unite

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• separate
• disconnect
• split
• part
• uncouple
• unhitch
• divide
• detach
• disunite
• unchain
• disengage
• unlink
• sever
• disjoint
• dissever
• disjoin
• rupture
• cleave
• unyoke
• sunder

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of chain

Noun

Dealers versus chain service centers There is a potential challenge to this. — Robert Ferris, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026

The suit, filed by Partee’s mother, claims employees failed to deescalate the argument between 22-year-old Joseph Watson and another individual in the restaurant, and that the restaurant chain failed to train its staff to handle the situation. — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026

Verb

Restaurant chains Chipotle and QDOBA pulled jalapeños last week. — Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

Most recently, in May 2026, Cal/OSHA issued the company six citations, following an incident during a fire in January 2026 when two workers were reportedly found locked inside a cold storage room that had been chained from the outside. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing chain

• food chain