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
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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
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
-
Colorado officials argued that the law − which is similar to restrictions in about half the states – regulates professional conduct, not speech.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Regional restrictions may apply.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But some of the obstacles to growth in Half Moon Bay are self-imposed.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The robot can respond to voice commands and is programmed to keep safe distances from people and obstacles.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The officers had both men in handcuffs within seconds and recovered two semi-automatic guns along with four shell casings, prosecutors said.—
Asal Rezaei,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Smovzh in handcuffs, flanked by masked officers – was published on the US Border Patrol’s official Instagram account.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Miller was tested for carboxyhemoglobin, a compound generated when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
20 Mar. 2026
-
The seven-time Super Bowl champion has morphed into a glue guy, whose employment as a Fox Sports NFL television analyst, part owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and key partner with Fanatics binds him with almost every major stakeholder in the Flag Football Classic and WrestleMania 42.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The instruments used to make antimatter create interference that hinders its study.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Traveling back across the ocean also hinders preparation for the following week.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That could mean a delay of hours, days or longer depending on scheduling and technical constraints.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
With production pipelines in some regions backlogged due to capacity constraints, AI automation tools are enabling faster asset and scene creation.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
One of the biggest hurdles for elders seeking guidance when the state intervenes in their personal affairs is the opacity of the Florida law governing adult protection.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The legislation, the latest in a long effort by some lawmakers of both parties to rein in the price of insulin, faces many hurdles, including concerns about the cost and other competing congressional priorities.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Independents rise as chains face headwinds Keown said that while some chains have seen financial headwinds and store closures, independent pizzerias have been ascendant.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Motorists are advised to carry a complete winter storm emergency kit, including tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, shovel, blankets, extra clothing, water and a first-aid kit.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fetters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fetters. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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