1
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
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in handcuffs
something that physically prevents free movement
chains on the prisoner's ankles
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in binds
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 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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of chains
Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
While several supermarket chains and independent stores sell Scott & Jon’s pasta and seafood dishes, as of Sunday morning, Publix and Walmart were the major chains that announced on their websites they were hit by this recall.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025
My dad had on gold chains and everyone else's dad had on a suit.
—Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
In a refugee camp in Bangladesh, children jump rope with chains of rubber bands.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025
This sort of thing is common for restaurant chains, but less expected at a convenience store.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
My focus was always trying to bring the kind of complexities of the kink world to the screen…trying to find the warmth in that community rather than be like Prince Albert, whips, chains, and gags.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025
In a bid to increase his nation’s number of rug rats, Władysław Grochowski, owner of one of Poland’s biggest hotel chains, has pledged to throw a party for every couple who conceives while staying at his properties.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
Pribula’s efficiency was enough to keep the Tigers moving the chains down the field, but there wasn’t too much of a deep passing threat.
—Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
If the defense plays high coverage to take the deep ball away, the Buckeyes can throw it short and move the chains.
—Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
While several supermarket chains and independent stores sell Scott & Jon’s pasta and seafood dishes, as of Sunday morning, Publix and Walmart were the major chains that announced on their websites they were hit by this recall.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025
My dad had on gold chains and everyone else's dad had on a suit.
—Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
In a refugee camp in Bangladesh, children jump rope with chains of rubber bands.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025
This sort of thing is common for restaurant chains, but less expected at a convenience store.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
My focus was always trying to bring the kind of complexities of the kink world to the screen…trying to find the warmth in that community rather than be like Prince Albert, whips, chains, and gags.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025
In a bid to increase his nation’s number of rug rats, Władysław Grochowski, owner of one of Poland’s biggest hotel chains, has pledged to throw a party for every couple who conceives while staying at his properties.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
Pribula’s efficiency was enough to keep the Tigers moving the chains down the field, but there wasn’t too much of a deep passing threat.
—Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chains
Noun
-
Though some praised the movie’s performances and action sequences, many found its story hackneyed.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Dingers are fun, as are late-inning chaos sequences, which could come from New York’s hyperventilating bullpen.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
There are obstacles to the creation of a drone wall, namely its financing, management — given its cross-border nature and the diversity of airspace security laws — as well as issues to do with technical integration, according to Miriam McNabb, editor in chief of the online Dronelife publication.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Farley called out declining investment in skilled trades, poor productivity, and bureaucratic hurdles as key obstacles facing the essential economy.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
According to the complaint, agents alleged the ID was fake and held him in handcuffs for more than an hour.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Adair, still in handcuffs, is then picked up from the wheelchair by several deputies and placed on his stomach on the bottom bunk in his cell, the KBI said.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
There’s an instinctual stitching that binds its many scenes together that build to a heartwrenching ending, culminating in neither a whimper nor a bang but a welcome sigh of relief.—
Manuel Betancourt,
Variety,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Each atom binds separate electrons, whose exchange interaction mediates the nuclear two-qubit gate.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Then came some tops and skirts in bulbous shapes — a clear nod to the cocoon silhouette that cemented Balenciaga in fashion history — as well as textured dresses, some with exaggerated trains that billowed with each step.—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
5 Oct. 2025
-
To see the longest glowing debris trains, set your gaze 40 degrees above the radiant after allowing your eyes to adjust to the dark for 30 minutes.—
Lydia Price,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Ren also noted practical hurdles.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Roughly one third of owners cite lack of technical expertise or staff training as their biggest hurdles.—
Adam Mills,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile, their sons were presented with custom bracelets from Kenton Michael Jewelry.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Those buying a 13-pack of cookies can get a pack of two friendship bracelets.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
IndyStar,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The leadoff round-tripper was the 11th hit this season by Buxton, which ties Jacque Jones (2002) for the Twins’ club record.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Fall Mug for Everyday Cheer A seasonal mug is a practical gift that also ties the basket together.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chains. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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