HANDCUFF Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

handcuff 1 of 2

noun

ˈhan(d)-ˌkəf

Definition of handcuff

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Once outside, paramedics determined that Martin had stopped breathing, removed his handcuffs and began CPR. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 26 June 2026 The suspect was then placed in handcuffs and taken into custody. — Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

Verb

And yet the situation has the potential of becoming a bigger distraction and handcuffing Yzerman from building the roster further. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 The Athletics head into a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have the best record in the MLB, more than a little handcuffed by injuries. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for handcuff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for handcuff

Noun

Perhaps the most significant bind Albania’s government finds itself in over the project is the country’s relationship with the European Union.

— Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
Bats in a bind before births Before giving the bats the boot last year, the city didn’t build an alternative roosting habitat, which would have been challenging given the substantial size of the colony.

— Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of bind

Verb

The game remained tied after regulation and headed to extra time, when Bellingham, once again, came to the rescue for the Three Lions.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
After Ohtani hit his 21st homer of the season, Andy Pages hit a tying 419-foot blast to left-center for his 17th homer.

— Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

Definition of tie

Verb

Health care workers who impede these rituals for infection-control reasons often face hostility and violence; clinics have been attacked and burned down during this outbreak, furthering viral spread.

— Alice Park, Time, 2 July 2026
These vehicles were blocking and impeding fire operations, and several were non-operational and required tow truck assistance for removal.

— Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of impede

Verb

Such realism, buttressed by frank discussions of perimenopause and other facts of midlife, helps rather than hinders the show’s ability to transport.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 9 July 2026
This offseason, Cullen revealed that Karlaftis broke his hand, which required surgery during the Week 10 bye and hindered him for the rest of the season.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

Definition of hinder

Noun

Bordley is being held in the Jackson County Detention Center on a $150,000 bond, according to the jail’s inmate listing.

— Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Victoria Robinson was arrested after police responded on June 3 and released on bond the same day.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of bond

Verb

On Thursday, he was dressed in a jacket and tie with one arm shackled to his waist.

— Hannah Schoenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
In the 1700s, when West Africans were shackled and shipped to the South Carolina–Georgia seaboard, some were forced to work in rice paddies, in cotton fields, and on indigo plantations, where the moist climate resembled that of their homelands.

— jeanne malle, Air Mail, 4 July 2026

Definition of shackle

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“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handcuff. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of handcuff

noun

verb

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