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
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of chain
Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026
Earlier this week, movie theater chain AMC revealed its theaters will begin rolling out a new kind of immersive concert experience in June.
—Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Tony Hoffman, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for chain
Noun
The new Chili Willi’s, which opened Friday, May 8, is a reimagining of the beloved chain known for its award-winning chili and spicy Tex-Mex offerings.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026
Earlier this week, movie theater chain AMC revealed its theaters will begin rolling out a new kind of immersive concert experience in June.
—Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Verb
Daisy chaining of multiple monitors is one way to increase screen area.
—Tony Hoffman, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for chain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chain
Noun
-
The sequence left us pondering our pet cats and, for good measure, our worst selves.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
-
In a season-long arc, Gallagher will play Rod Finlayson, a charismatic, uber-independent, capable yet unreliable figure, whose arrival at the Gibsons’ marina on his beloved boat sets up a sequence of upheavals that Alberg and Cassandra will have to grapple with.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
The Sixers, however, hadn’t considered the circumstances, the stakes, the resilience of an opponent with far bigger fish to fry than a second-round obstacle.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
9 May 2026
-
All of this creates significant obstacles to its use as fuel for nuclear weapons.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Maluma’s example pairs a yellow-gold case and bracelet with a contrasting onyx dial.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
9 May 2026
-
At the morgue, the babies were brought in with their diapers and blankets and with their hospital ID bracelets still wrapped around their tiny ankles.—
Duaa Eldeib,
CNN Money,
8 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
-
Candidates for District 9 interviewed by the Southern California News Group said many residents increasingly connect ethics and accountability concerns at City Hall with broader frustrations over neighborhood conditions, city services and economic investment in the district.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
9 May 2026
-
Escalators once connecting now-defunct stores like Sears to designer brands such as Louis Vuitton have been turned off.—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
The basketball star arrived at the gala in a blush pink dress, with one shoulder exposed and the other covered by a sleeve, complete with a train.—
Dalila Muata,
NBC news,
5 May 2026
-
The star was dipped in a rainbow of colors from her décolletage down to the spiral train of her body-hugging dress with fringe falling down the cuffs of the long-sleeve gown.—
Beatrice Dupuy,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2026
Noun
-
Montverde senior Jizelle Holland piled up points with runner-up finishes in both hurdles finals, a sixth in the triple jump and a leg on the winning relay.—
Buddy Collings,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2026
-
Plantation senior Nyla Christian won the long jump and placed second in the 100 hurdles to lead a contingent of Broward and Palm Beach County athletes in a parade to the podium.—
Gary Curreri,
Sun Sentinel,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Never particularly good at controlling the running game, Doval then let Turang steal second before permitting a game-tying single to William Contreras.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
-
The Stallions rallied in the fourth quarter with three consecutive goals to tie the game.—
Alex Kushel,
Sun Sentinel,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chain. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
