1
as in restrictions
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice
a time-honored tradition is fine as long as it doesn't become a fetter that prevents us from trying something new
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obstacles
something that makes movement or progress difficult
claims that government regulations are unnecessary fetters that keep him from achieving his business goals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in handcuffs
something that physically prevents free movement
considered a seat belt a pointless fetter—until one saved his life in an auto accident
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in binds
to confine or restrain with or as if with chains
museum artifacts that serve as somber reminders of the days when slaves were fettered with irons
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hinders
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
the belief that too many rules and restrictions fetter children's creativity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fetters
Noun
-
With many families managing dietary restrictions, this recall highlights the importance of double-checking ingredient lists—even for simple staples.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024 -
Amazon puts significant restrictions on new product sales.—
Tom Wicky,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
One of the biggest obstacles, however, is the approach the United States takes to preventing salmonella contamination.—
Vanessa Gera and Kerstin Sopke,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Unlike clumsier species that struggle with obstacles, the black mamba leverages every surface with surgical precision, effectively turning the landscape into a series of launchpads.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
This medication binds to and removes excess iron or copper from the body, helping prevent further liver damage in conditions like hemochromatosis and Wilson disease.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Now the new study, led by UNM professor Brent Wagner, MD, has found a connection between gadolinium and oxalic acid, a molecule found in foods which binds with metal ions, leading to medical issues such as kidney stones.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Critics, however, question whether any substantial shipbuilding increase is feasible given budgetary constraints.—
Micah McCartney,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Their work spans geometry, kinematics, and dynamics of robotic systems under constraints, using predictive models and optimal control principles to enhance robotic movement.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
But the study is just a jumping-off point—there are some limitations.—
Elizabeth Yuko,
Health,
11 Apr. 2025
-
But the most likely outcome for that second leg is another clear demonstration of the squad’s limitations.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Charles and Craig wear metal bracelets with Brian's badge number.—
Tom Dreisbach,
NPR,
5 Jan. 2025
-
But also, some of the bracelets people gave me were really inappropriate.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Let go of whatever impedes your progress and growth.—
Georgia Nicols,
The Denver Post,
2 Mar. 2025
-
However, any individual who impedes law enforcement operations, potentially threatening the safety of law enforcement agents and subjects of their investigations, is subject to investigation and potential prosecution by the Department of Justice.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The Statesman also discovered that although a 2017 Texas law requires new school buses to have seat belts, many older buses — like the 2011 model involved in the Hays crash — remain without restraints.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American-Statesman,
18 Dec. 2024
-
Reality intrudes — in the form of external crises, financial restraints, political roadblocks, and subsequent elections that demonstrate that your ideology isn’t popular when put into practice.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Dec. 2024
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.
Cite this Entry
“Fetters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fetters. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share