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
-
Inspections, repairs, and temporary restrictions may affect daily activity.—
Matthew Kayser,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The details of the deal that could cover ports, energy and tourism are not known but could include a relaxation of restrictions on Americans traveling to the Caribbean island.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
All four of those teams have faced obstacles in their path of rebuilding.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Chicago must also remove obstacles to effective policing, use technology such as the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, and update and enforce curfew regulations.—
Juan Rangel,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The 57-year-old was dressed in an orange and white prison uniform with handcuffs and chains on her wrists.—
Kelsy Mittauer,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
-
He was taken from the courtroom in handcuffs.—
Maxime Tamsett,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan A fleeting moment of passion in post–VE Day Ohio binds Cal Jenkins and Margaret Salt, setting off a chain of secrets that spans generations.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
26 Feb. 2026
-
The document binds none of them.—
The AI Insider,
Interesting Engineering,
23 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
-
Strategic stockpiles are held separately by each IEA member country, meaning technical and logistical constraints could slow the flow of barrels.—
Sam Meredith,Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Although global turmoil, including Russia's war in Ukraine, has revived debate over Japan acquiring nuclear weapons, domestic support remains low because of legal and political constraints.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Easing installation hurdles While OpenClaw has surged in popularity recently, experts have previously pointed out limitations to the AI agent's mass adoption, including a complex installation process that's challenging for nontechnical users.—
Evelyn Cheng,Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Iran’s attempts to scale up desalination projects along its southern coast face significant hurdles, including international sanctions, high energy costs, and infrastructure bottlenecks.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Like many mattress brands, some hotel chains offer a lengthy trial period, warranty, and even white glove delivery to make a pricey purchase worthwhile.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
9 Mar. 2026
-
The concept resembles drive-through beverage chains such as Dutch Bros Coffee and the Human Bean.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fetters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fetters. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
