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
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Recent Examples of fetters
Jane Kamensky, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
The short life of Alexander Hamilton both feeds and fetters Vaill’s project.
—Jane Kamensky, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fetters
Noun
-
Quayle said that partially because of new restrictions on Newark flying, United will have aircraft available.—
Ted Reed,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Citing recent Supreme Court precedent, the panel said federal courts lack authority to impose such broad restrictions on executive branch operations.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But the obstacles are overwhelming.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Why cruise lines conduct safety drills Safety drills, also called muster drills, are not the brainchild of a sadistic cruise ship officer, trying to place obstacles between cruise guests and their sunbathing and cocktails.—
Erica Silverstein,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Reina turned himself in at the downtown Sacramento County Main Jail, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, which posted a video of Reina in handcuffs on social media.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
The next moment, they were being whisked away in handcuffs to a detention center in the brush country of South Texas, in the small town of Dilley – population 5,732.—
Rick Jervis,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Canned Beans Beans are heart-healthy legumes rich in soluble fiber, which binds to cholesterol in the digestive tract and helps to flush it out of the body.—
Carrie Madormo,
Verywell Health,
28 Jan. 2026
-
One large egg binds with the breadcrumbs and ensures that the meatballs remain moist and tender.—
Robin Miller,
AZCentral.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2023, which hinders his ability to communicate.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Jan. 2026
-
This superficial politeness hinders effective decision-making, erodes accountability, and leaves teams ill-equipped for pressure.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Managers are busy, organizations have budget constraints, and without your voice, the default is maintaining the status quo—which rarely benefits you.—
Kwame Christian Esq,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and the National University of Singapore now report a method that changes those constraints.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The 35% analyst upside projection appears optimistic given the structural hurdles.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Financing hurdles In April, the City Council created a special tax district to help pay for the Stitch.—
Zachary Hansen,
AJC.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Fast-food chains like Shake Shack and Chipotle are among those that have rolled out high-protein, lower-carb menus, as Fox News Digital previously reported.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Load your car with winter travel gear, including tire chains, ice scraper/snowbrush, jumper cables, and road flares.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fetters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fetters. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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