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
ABC News, 2 May 2026
In any case, being the last person on the email chain can return a modicum of dignity and control for job seekers after a rejection.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026
Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
Across the street, cars are parked bumper-to-bumper, and a sleek bicycle is chained to the streetlamp on the sidewalk in front of the red brick townhouse that’s been there since 1902.
—Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chain
Noun
The count doesn’t include the many smaller chains and independent cafes serving coffees and teas imported from Yemen.
—ABC News, 2 May 2026
In any case, being the last person on the email chain can return a modicum of dignity and control for job seekers after a rejection.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026
Verb
Tasks that once required advanced expertise—like scanning code for vulnerabilities or running attacks that require chaining multiple exploits together—are increasingly being automated or semiautomated by AI systems.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
Across the street, cars are parked bumper-to-bumper, and a sleek bicycle is chained to the streetlamp on the sidewalk in front of the red brick townhouse that’s been there since 1902.
—Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chain
Noun
-
By the final showdown, the production has made use of every bit of stage space, with sensational flying sequences (choreographed by Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant) that allow the vampires to float, hover, and—in one especially intense moment—dive from that bridge.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026
-
In the 1990s, Venter and a team at the National Institutes of Health developed expressed sequence tags, which allowed for the rapid discovery of new genes.—
Francie Ebert,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Still, travelers may encounter obstacles obtaining their refunds.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
-
The case for and against a redo The obstacles to a redo are considerable, starting with the obvious security concerns.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Consider identification for children, such as ID bracelets, tags, or cards with waterproof sleeves, that include a parent or guardian’s phone number and key medical information.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
-
This year, the decor spilled onto bracelets and clasps, creating new preciousness.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
British monarchs are constitutionally bound to remain above politics, able only to represent the UK rather than speak for its government.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Even if the rule is finalized, the EPA would still have to take more steps before Americans see binding legal changes.—
Justin Zorn,
STAT,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Moon in Scorpio connects with Jupiter through your 11th House of Friends, making support and collaboration easier to access.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
-
Innovation will be driven by systems that connect people, businesses, and markets with greater efficiency.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
The victim managed to walk off the train and out of the station, sources said.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Few journeys bring you as close to this breathtaking landscape as the Rocky Mountaineer, a train that threads through canyons, forests, and mountain passes.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Despite that fast-track status, RP1 has encountered more hurdles from the agency than was expected by Replimune Group, the company producing the drug.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
2 May 2026
-
Also, licensing hurdles in many states ban people with records from even becoming barbers or mechanics, the very trades that offer the best path to independence.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
While travelers can file claims in bankruptcy proceedings, those tied to points are likely to be last in line for payment, assuming any money is available.—
Mirna Alsharif,
NBC news,
2 May 2026
-
Julio Rodriguez had just tied the game in the seventh inning with his second home run of the evening.—
Jaylon Thompson
May 2,
Kansas City Star,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chain. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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