CHAINS Synonyms: 216 Similar and Opposite Words

chains 1 of 2

noun

plural of chain

as in sequences

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

as in obstacles

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in handcuffs

something that physically prevents free movement chains on the prisoner's ankles

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chains

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of chain

as in binds

to confine or restrain with or as if with chains chaining up the dog in the backyard

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in strings

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

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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 chains

Noun

Unlike many major fast-food chains, In-N-Out does not freeze its beef patties or produce, KTLA reported. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 Marmalade Cafe is joining the ranks of other California restaurant chains that have filed for bankruptcy this year. — Ella Chakarian, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026 The overwhelming majority of its room nights come from alternative accommodations, independent hotels and small chains, not big brands, and much of that inventory connects to Booking directly rather than through third-party software. — Isabella Gao, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026 For larger international retailers, fragmented purchase chains can sometimes lead to buyers experiencing these frictions. — Karen Koehler, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026 Settlements of lawsuits against opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacy chains imposed not only billion-dollar fines but also rules governing future conduct. — Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026 Some coffee chains have now expanded their non-pumpkin offerings as the classic pumpkin-spice drink loses some of its luster. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026 All major bank chains will be closed on Labor Day; however, physical ATMs will still be available at most bank locations. — Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026 And many of the groceries, particularly in the produce aisle, are a lot different from those at regional and national chains. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Verb

Restaurant chains Chipotle and QDOBA pulled jalapeños last week. — Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026 To address this, Ivo uses a multi-step pipeline that chains together more than 400 model calls for each contract review. — Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026 Tokyo Central is owned by Japanese company Pan Pacific Retail Management, which also runs the grocery chains Gelson’s and Don Quijote. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025 Texas Roadhouse, which also operates casual dining chains Bubba’s 33 and Jaggers, is expected to report third-quarter results at the end of October. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chains

Noun

The action sequences, meanwhile, are bloody but sterile and neat in a way that undermines the film’s wannabe grindhouse efforts.

— Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
The film, which will include stop-motion animation and live-action sequences, is an adaptation of Shane Jones’ cult novel exploring the tension between escaping war through imagination and confronting its reality.

— Alexandra Patterson, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of sequences

Noun

The difference, of course, is that none of the other mums in the trade-stand village had just had to navigate some of the world’s most difficult obstacles.

— Tilly Berendt, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
On one side, plaintiffs’ lawyers are working with local communities and advocacy groups to throw up legal obstacles to bog down development.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of obstacles

Noun

There’s nothing to commemorate the day federal agents chased Leodegario Martínez Barradas into the parking lot of a car dealership, placed him in handcuffs and led him away.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
The suspect was successfully placed in handcuffs without any physical injury to the officers.

— Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of handcuffs

Verb

The list also reaches into the everyday commerce that binds the two economies, including cheese, seafood and cosmetics.

— Ana Ceballos, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Epoxy resin impregnates and binds the reinforcing layers, helping turn the separate fiber skins and honeycomb into one stiff, lightweight structure.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of binds

Verb

Antinous attempts to shrug off the token’s return, but seemingly recognizes it, and realizes in full that Odysseus has returned for revenge when the man strings his bow.

— Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
From Key Largo to Key West, the Overseas Highway strings the islands together like beads, running past lighthouses, underwater coral reef parks, and across the postcard-worthy Seven Mile Bridge.

— Sarah Rose, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2026

Definition of strings

Noun

Just as interstate highways need to be wider and smoother than typical country roads, railroad tracks that handle faster trains require more robust engineering and safety features than those that handle slow-moving freight.

— Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
Diesel fuels the trucks, trains and ships that bring goods to market.

— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of trains

Noun

The split also means immigrants in some parts of the country are getting bail hearings while those in other places, including Texas and Louisiana, face additional hurdles to seek release.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026
Though the league has engaged in significant discussions with Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin about bringing a 33rd franchise to Houston or Austin, there are still a few hurdles to clear.

— Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of hurdles

Noun

While Pandora has long been known for its charm bracelets, beloved of millennials and Gen Zs of the past, the brand’s collaboration strategy aims to innovate.

— Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2026
Shop Official KPop Demon Hunters Jewelry The KPop Demon Hunters capsule collection includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets and keychains inspired by HUNTR/X, the fictional K-pop singing trio in the film.

— Tim Chan, Footwear News, 7 Sep. 2026