HANDCUFF Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

handcuff 1 of 2

noun

ˈhan(d)-ˌkəf

as in bind

usually handcuffs plural something that physically prevents free movement the man reluctantly held out his wrists so the policeman could snap on handcuffs

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handcuff

2 of 2

verb

as in to bind

to confine or restrain with or as if with chains wanted to take the trip, but was handcuffed by her responsibility to watch her ailing father

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as in to impede

to create difficulty for the work or activity of the fear that the new mandatory, standardized tests will handcuff the state's teachers, who will have to specifically tailor their lesson plans for the test

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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 handcuff

Noun

Laser pointers, flashlights, handcuffs, fireworks. —

Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 11 Feb. 2026 Wide receiver Mack Hollins arrived in a prison jumpsuit, handcuffs and Hannibal Lecter-esque mask. —

Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2026

Verb

For Jones, doing his part meant observing, which led to at least four officers jumping on his back, handcuffing him, crushing his legs, and grinding his forehead into the frozen concrete. —

Evan Minsker, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2026 The woman and children, who were not handcuffed, were being detained on a curb over the hour that neighbors watched. —

Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handcuff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for handcuff

Noun

Adam told his fellow Panarchists about our bind, and they were stoked to host one of the world’s wildest bands.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
No fan should be told how to follow their team, nor be scolded for feeling conflicted, especially as Spurs supporters have been put in this unenviable bind by the failings of their club — rather than the other way around.

— Dan Kilpatrick, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026