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

On every floor, display cabinets overflow with magic wands, sparkly hats, silk scarves, handcuffs, dice, Rubik's Cubes, toys, photographs and dozens of trophies earned by students in competitions all over the world. — Julie Bourdin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026 He was led from the courtroom in handcuffs and will be held in custody until his sentencing in January. — Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Verb

As the officer attempted to handcuff Bowman, the video shows Bowman move his hand toward the officer's hands before the punches. — Shelley Bortz, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 Footage also captured Fusaro allegedly naked with Raymond while she was handcuffed to a bed, per the outlet. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handcuff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for handcuff

Noun

More recently, in 2023, Belarusian embassies abroad stopped extending or renewing passports entirely, putting dissidents who fled the country in a similar bind to those from Myanmar.

— Andrew Nachemson, The Dial, 22 Sep. 2026
Feasting on neutrality Few illustrate the current bind better than Caitlin Clark.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of bind

Verb

But Ostlund scored only Buffalo’s fifth power-play goal of the season midway through the first before Thompson tied it with his sixth goal.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Offscreen, the part tied Koenig to the franchise for the rest of his career.

— Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of tie

Verb

Schwank also took issue with ICE’s characterization that Moreida was standing in the middle of an active road and impeding law enforcement’s actions.

— Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
Federal officials argue that California’s refusal to review the federal list or set aside the associated ballots impedes enforcement.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of impede

Noun

This chain of reasoning purposefully stokes fear in the hearts of Broward citizens.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
Built for government demands BlueChip’s first customers are expected to value durability and supply-chain transparency over portability.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of chain

Verb

Ukrainian officials said the restrictions hampered ⁠the military’s ability to intercept Russian attack ⁠drones and forced the cancellation of some operations.

— Reuters, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026
The officials said the restrictions were disrupting high-speed military drones, hampering Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian attacks and conduct operations along the front line.

— Garrett Downs, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of hamper

Verb

Plus, there’s silica to softly blur the look of pores and texture without hindering your glow.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Oct. 2026
If pursued judiciously, this emphasis on security will not hinder cooperation between the United States and its allies but rather strengthen it.

— Sam Mullins, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of hinder

Noun

Government bond investors want cuts to public spending, less borrowing and business-friendly measures aimed at boosting growth, such as reversing some of the payroll tax increases introduced under Reeves.

— Ian King, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Highfill maintains a covenant requiring utility rates to generate net revenues equal to at least 110% of maximum annual debt service on outstanding system bonds.

— Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of bond

Verb

The brothers stood in tan prison uniforms, shackled at the ankles, as Judge Caproni read their sentences.

— Kim Velsey, Curbed, 27 Oct. 2026
One even got in trouble and is shackled to a wooden pillory, serving as an example to others who disobey the crown and engage in piracy.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026