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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of chain
Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Unbeknownst to him, the Creature manages to escape by using his supernatural strength to tear off his chains and scuttle through a drainage pipe to freedom.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Jan. 2026
Angela Yang, NBC news, 25 Dec. 2025
Why Southerners Love Rum Balls Unlike more complicated recipes that require special equipment like a candy thermometer and being chained to the stove to ensure perfection, rum balls are blissfully easy to prepare.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain
Noun
In other chain restaurant news, Ted’s Montana Grill has pulled the plug on its plans to open on Marietta Square, the Marietta Daily Journal reported.
—Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Unbeknownst to him, the Creature manages to escape by using his supernatural strength to tear off his chains and scuttle through a drainage pipe to freedom.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
One writer, Tiffany Ng, chronicled her experience chaining her phone to the wall for a week.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 25 Dec. 2025
Why Southerners Love Rum Balls Unlike more complicated recipes that require special equipment like a candy thermometer and being chained to the stove to ensure perfection, rum balls are blissfully easy to prepare.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chain
Noun
-
The work leverages machine learning and large libraries of DNA designs to make better predictions about what sequences make cells behave as scientists want.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Demon Slayer, the first of a series-ending film trilogy, is a master class in hyper-kinetic, violent battles and high-stakes melodrama, in which a sequence of epic duels is intercut with emotional character backstories.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Throughout both films, Stern's Marv is subjected to some of the worst obstacles set up to protect Keven, including stepping on a nail barefoot, taking a hot iron to the face and bricks to the head, and surviving an electrocution.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Alignment is the key to overcoming obstacles.—
Karen Hinds,
Hartford Courant,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Anna and Jack put the pieces together that all three crimes are connected by the disturbing messages displayed on their deceased bodies, as well as the same friendship bracelet attached to each victim.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
-
To end the meal, our waitress tied red string bracelets with small wooden charms around our wrists, a gesture meant to bring good fortune in the year ahead.—
Angela Lian,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
When Lawrence wears it, it's bound to be a trend—sheer and floral resurgence, incoming.—
Irene Kim,
Vogue,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The Supreme Court in July agreed to hear the separate appeals from the states and is expected to issue final, binding rulings on the merits by late June.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
One of those techniques involves an empty chair placed in front of a client, encouraging them to imagine and speak to someone connected to unresolved emotions.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Fort Worth police said the three cases are not connected.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The city also offers a tourist train for five euros that runs about every hour, connecting the historic center with the two main beach areas (Platja de la Grava and Platja de l’Arenal).—
Liz Provencher,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
-
So much so, that one wonders if a sweetheart neckline or traditional mermaid train feels representative of the current fashion mood.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But that process was slowed by procedural hurdles.—
Megan O’Matz,
ProPublica,
13 Jan. 2026
-
While still a hurdle for million of Americans, financing costs have eased slightly in recent months.—
Bloomberg,
Oc Register,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Demin hit a 3-pointer with six seconds to go to tie it, and Banchero missed a 30-footer at the buzzer.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Schnapp also spoke to PEOPLE about the series ending, insisting that all loose ends had been tied — even his character’s longstanding crush on his best friend Mike (Wolfhard).—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chain. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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