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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of handcuff
Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026
Christian Ascencio noticed a child crying, trying to hold the hand of a woman in handcuffs after the Bruno Mars concert.
—Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026
Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
The video appeared to show Hyder pulling Moore down to the ground and punching her before a second officer pulled Moore away and handcuffed her.
—Charlotte Observer, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Noun
Glen was able to remove the handcuffs from the woman.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026
Christian Ascencio noticed a child crying, trying to hold the hand of a woman in handcuffs after the Bruno Mars concert.
—Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026
Verb
Nowak died at the scene, and a pathologist found that nothing could have saved his life, even if officers hadn’t handcuffed him, the police statement added.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
The video appeared to show Hyder pulling Moore down to the ground and punching her before a second officer pulled Moore away and handcuffed her.
—Charlotte Observer, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handcuff
Noun
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According to him, high concentrations of 7-hydroxymitragynine bind with the body’s mu opioid receptors much more effectively than mitragynine, which can cause dependency.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
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The expectations of the triple bind can manifest as a reflection of other people’s perceptions, Hinshaw explained.—
Avni Trivedi,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
Verb
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Often the jokes are tied to an upcoming holiday or event.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
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Yeah Gluten Free, a bakery that specializes in gluten-free pastries, will host a pop-up inside the Atlanta Daily World Building in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood as part of an activation tied to the World Cup, according to a news release.—
Olivia Wakim,
AJC.com,
6 June 2026
Verb
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This ruling sets a troubling precedent that undermines protections afforded to interstate commerce and impedes site remediation, as well as the safe and effective long-term management of these materials for customers in Michigan and throughout the country.—
Heath Kalb,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
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His attempts to impede the certification of the 2020 election led to him being charged with obstruction of an official proceeding, alongside hundreds of January 6th rioters.—
Antonia Hitchens,
New Yorker,
28 May 2026
Noun
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In Manatí, near a chain of Taíno caves and the Tortuguero Nature Reserve (the island’s only natural lagoon), Efrén David Robles is expanding the idea of what Puerto Rico offers beyond San Juan’s beaches and El Yunque National Forest.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
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While HomeGoods is primarily known for its affordable, on-trend selection of furniture, decorative accents, kitchenware, and more, the chain retailer also boasts an incredible selection of delicious snacks that come from all across the globe.—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Trump has often alleged rampant voter fraud that has hampered Republicans’ success, and his base has largely accepted these sentiments to be true, despite no evidence backing up his accusations.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Daily News,
9 June 2026
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Covid pandemic-era border closures hampered exchange between the two sides and later, Pyongyang grew closer to Moscow, deploying what are believed to be thousands of soldiers to aid Russia’s war against Ukraine.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
8 June 2026
Verb
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With the front line barely moving as swarms of drones hinder advances, both sides have sought an edge by launching long-range strikes.—
Pan Pylas,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2026
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Injuries have hindered the 27-year-old Frasso’s development.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
7 June 2026
Noun
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There is an alternative to such a view, one which recognizes that there are bonds that connect people within a society.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
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Daniels was booked in the Collin County Jail in lieu of a $500 bond, according to jail records.—
Briauna Brown,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
Verb
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Joaquin Escoto, 28, entered Stanislaus County Superior Court shackled at the wrists and ankles, wearing an orange-and-white jail uniform and sitting beside his attorney and a Spanish interpreter.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
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According to the lawsuit, four days after ZOR arrived at the facility, ICE officers shackled him and drove him to the Mexican border.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handcuff. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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