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
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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
-
After his availability is determined, Redick said the team will discuss any potential minutes restrictions.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Last fall, the Pentagon required reporters who cover the military to sign on to a host of restrictions in order to maintain daily access to the building.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Still, travelers may encounter obstacles obtaining their refunds.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
-
The case for and against a redo The obstacles to a redo are considerable, starting with the obvious security concerns.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Video from the scene early Wednesday morning showed FBI agents at the business, with one man coming out of the building with his hands up, and another was seen being questioned while wearing handcuffs.—
Ana Maria Soler,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
-
Thursday, Thorsen was flown in handcuffs from Germany to Atlanta, also the home of CDC headquarters.—
Sasha Pezenik,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Romvari’s film binds together impressionistic recollections from Jeremy’s 8-year-old sister Sasha (Eylul Guven).—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
-
Once converted into its active form, vitamin D binds to receptors in immune cells and supports the body in several ways, including enhancing the innate immune system, regulating and calming the adaptive immune system and reducing the risk of some inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.—
Samantha Agate,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Vast terrain hinders search The immediate area in Stewart County where the search is currently contained is covered with big trees and steep hills, as well as snakes and ticks, according to the sheriff.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
-
The anti-caking coating that prevents cheese from sticking together also hinders cheese from blending or melting into other foods with ease.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The company has taken cues from DeepSeek's approach of delivering high-performing models under financial and technological constraints, according to cofounder and chief scientist Lin Dahua.—
Elaine Yu,
CNBC,
6 May 2026
-
The constraints are less dramatic.—
Paul M. Sutter,
Scientific American,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Some Democrats revive the promise of single-payer healthcare Some of the sharpest exchanges occurred over single-payer healthcare, a policy vision that Newsom embraced on the campaign trail and abandoned in office when faced with the daunting price tag and political hurdles.—
Ben Paviour
May 6,
Sacbee.com,
6 May 2026
-
Despite the initial hurdles, Hale persevered in a house full of toxic haters and fought her way back from the very bottom of the pecking order to become the first Black woman to win Big Brother and the show’s America’s Favorite Player award in one fell swoop.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
The neighborhood/area Despite many of the area’s mansions housing businesses or fairly average restaurant chains, this stretch of Sarrià still belongs to the wealthy.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 May 2026
-
Madonna honored the era with fishnets, metal studs and silver chains adorning a Givenchy mini plaid blazer by Riccardo Tisci.—
Luis Giraldo,
CBS News,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fetters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fetters. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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