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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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
Jeremy Mennis, The Conversation, 1 May 2026
The short life of Alexander Hamilton both feeds and fetters Vaill’s project.
—Jane Kamensky, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
To drag a man in fetters into the grand illuminated temple of liberty, and call upon him to join you in joyous anthems, were inhuman mockery and sacrilegious irony.
—Jeremy Mennis, The Conversation, 1 May 2026
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
-
The change would bring state policy in line with federal law, which already includes those restrictions.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026
-
Starmer, facing a likely leadership challenge in the coming weeks, acknowledged that children would get around the restrictions but said a ban - which could be his main legacy - would bring long-term change to the culture around social media.—
Paul Sandle,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
For more than 48 hours, captain Lillian Zulu had been trying to keep her squad's spirits high despite mounting obstacles.—
Ryan Lenora Brown,
NPR,
14 June 2026
-
One of Whaley’s biggest obstacles was learning how to use a computer to complete his schoolwork.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
The bail agents then got the man into handcuffs.—
Hannah McIlree,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
-
The man in brown pants is later seen in handcuffs and being led away while screaming at someone.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
Phytic acid binds directly to HDAC3 and turns on its activity.—
Ryan Brennan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 June 2026
-
Schneider said the memorandum apparently binds the United States, Iran and their allies but makes no mention of nonstate actors Iran supports like Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
This is due, in large part, to expectations of a strong El Niño, which traditionally hinders storm development.—
Robin Webb,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
Our systems are overly complex, spanning hundreds of dependencies, which hinders our ability to move fast.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Higher power density could make radiovoltaic systems more practical for missions where size, weight, and maintenance requirements remain critical constraints.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
17 June 2026
-
In a September story, student newspaper The State Hornet documented students’ struggle with availability of classes amid growing enrollment and parallel state budget constraints.—
Tarini Mehta,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Taking Ament would require belief that the shooting and strength questions are developmental hurdles, not glaring red flags.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
17 June 2026
-
Beyond institutional hurdles, players also faced a wave of sexist abuse online.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Al Jazeera reported that monks and rescue workers collaborated to form human chains via which treasures were passed from the burning building to safety.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
15 June 2026
-
These days, the Yum Brands unit is facing stiff competition, both from upstart chicken chains and legacy giants like McDonald’s that are betting big on the growing global popularity of chicken.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fetters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fetters. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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