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
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 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
-
Jailbreaking in this context refers to a process that removes software restrictions placed on a piece of hardware.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
-
This unit will also enforce Florida’s existing foreign adversary laws — including restrictions on land ownership — and expand accountability to companies and individuals aligned with hostile regimes that threaten Floridians’ privacy, security and sovereignty.—
February 17,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The researchers created the virtual animals and released them into a synthetic world, giving them tasks on how to navigate, avoid obstacles and find food.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Feb. 2026
-
The secluded area in Arizona where Guthrie lives and appears to have been kidnapped in the early morning hours of February 1 continues to present obstacles, as does the intense media scrutiny.—
Elizabeth Hartfield,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
At one point, a fourth agent retrieved an extra pair of handcuffs.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Gales also owned a pair of handcuffs, identical to the ones on Kim Thomas’ body, and was seen near the Friedland home the morning of the homicide, Rudolf has said.—
Jeff A. Chamer,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But maybe in a film as deeply personal as this, in which grief is the glue that binds each scene together, there needn’t be an overarching theme or narrative beyond the desire for remembrance.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
-
These dimensions normally cohere in the speaker, which binds a person to their words.—
Deb Roy,
The Atlantic,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Afterward, Denver7 heard from Douglas County residents, including a Parker woman who feels the move hinders productive conversations around local issues and is merely a way for the commissioners to dodge criticism and accountability.—
thedenverchannel.com,
Denver Post,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2023, which hinders his ability to communicate.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
That makes what these stellar series pulled off even more impressive given the budgetary and reputational constraints.—
David Faris,
TheWeek,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Leaders and the public will confront new energy constraints and solutions.—
Jared Cohen,
Time,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But there is optimism in the community that both these hurdles can be cleared.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
18 Feb. 2026
-
There are a host of legal hurdles Trump will have to overcome to keep this one alive.—
Jack Greiner,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This trend has led to the treat turning up at national chains, like ALDI.—
Joseph Erbentraut,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Large chains or spiked jewelry.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fetters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fetters. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
