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

Wearing dark blue jail garb, handcuffs and iron shackles around his waist, Caruso on Friday was ordered to surrender his passport before release. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 During the arrest, Guerrero-Chavez began resisting, even slipping out of her handcuffs and attempting to run back to her vehicle, Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson said. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026

Verb

When handcuffed by investigators, Thakor denied jabbing his wife with a knife. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 Bredow was held in contempt and handcuffed, and spent five days in jail. — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handcuff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for handcuff

Noun

Feasting on neutrality Few illustrate the current bind better than Caitlin Clark.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
The Hightower high lord and his armies have occupied Tumbleton and have Rhaenyra in something of a bind.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of bind

Verb

The company says those sensors can help with reminders and brief activity records tied to relevant interactions rather than continuous recording.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
This increase in work, the jury contended, was directly tied to Skains’ decision to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which determined Skains had the right to sue over the discrimination.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of tie

Verb

But what if the longer wavelengths of the embers could both extend the hours of socializing without heavily impeding our sleep cycle?

— Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
In June, a top story was the arrest of fifteen Minnesotans who were charged with federal crimes, including conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers in connection with a March 1st protest outside of ICE’s Minnesota headquarters.

— Emily Witt, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of impede

Noun

Niihau is the seventh-largest island in the Hawaiian Island chain, but the smallest populated island, according to the Niihau Cultural Heritage Foundation.

— Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2026
In animals, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) inside the muscle supplies most of the mechanical energy, while an electrical impulse travels along a motor neuron and triggers a chain of events that causes skeletal muscle fibers to contract.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of chain

Verb

Air force officials in Greece made no immediate comment on the status of the two airmen, noting that rescue crews were hampered by the fire on the grounds of Tanagra air force base, 60 kilometers (about 40 miles) north of Athens.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Stanford went 5 of 15 on third down and was hampered by a slew of inopportune penalties that Miami capitalized on.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of hamper

Verb

At worst, his weaknesses prove disruptive to the lineup in his minutes or hinder the development of the others.

— Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Internalizing the middle Cross-border shopping has traditionally carried friction for consumers that could have otherwise hindered their ability to purchase from international retailers.

— Karen Koehler, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of hinder

Noun

But also for the bond that strengthened between coach and quarterback.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
But only days ago a global bond sell-off saw UK yields hit their highest level since the 2008 financial crash, further increasing the cost of borrowing for the UK government.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of bond

Verb

Otherwise, though, Moore, who like a year ago has been quick out of the blocks with early season goals against Cardiff City and Millwall, was well shackled despite putting in an energetic shift.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Its citizens held slaves, some of whom were shackled for committing adultery.

— Boris Kachka, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026