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
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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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fetters
Noun
-
Those with dietary restrictions can pre-order special meals at least 24 hours in advance.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025 -
Regional restrictions may apply.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
To strengthen an organization’s risk management, executives and boards must first identify cultural obstacles, according to the report.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
9 Sep. 2025
-
This missile allows tank crews to hit targets that are hidden behind buildings, trees, or other obstacles without exposing themselves to enemy fire.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Wilson's dying body was pulled inside the home by the family and restrained with his own handcuffs.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
The judge ordered the sheriff’s office to follow necessary procedures to ensure Adelson cannot self-harm before she was led away in handcuffs after the guilty verdict Thursday night.—
Lauren del Valle,
CNN Money,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In Norse mythology, the ash tree known as Yggdrasill binds together all nine worlds, from the underworld of Niflheim to the realm of the gods, Asgard.—
Ellen Walker,
JSTOR Daily,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Aside from Nuñez’s Oscar Martinez, what binds the two series together is, well, paper.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This innovative platform, which researchers are exploring for applications ranging from flu to cancer to AIDS, poses a threat to global defenses against future crises and hinders progress in biomedical innovation.—
Bernadette Boden Albala,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The Bonner hamstring injury further hinders this crew.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Algorithmic Literacy requires genuine technical comprehension of AI capabilities, constraints, and ethical implications.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Wharton's Thomas Winberry explains how financial constraints can delay innovation and long-term growth for firms, as well as the economy.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Artest has aspirations to set the program record and win the state championship in the 300 hurdles.—
Michael Osipoff,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Back in 2012, Tesla’s board offered him a deal based on production and stock price hurdles.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Now, Russia’s and Ukraine’s Soviet-era tanks rumble across the battlefield covered in anti-drone nets and spikes, dangling chains and unwieldy cages.—
Marco Hernandez,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Tyla also wore coordinating chains around her waist, which dropped with gold medallion charms in numerous tiers.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Fetters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fetters. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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